The Emir of Kano, Aminu Bayero, has condemned the disturbing trend of kidnapping and selling children, particularly northern minors, to southern parts of the country. Speaking to reporters in Kano, he expressed his firm resolve to no longer tolerate the abduction and trade of children within the state.
The emir, represented by Dan Malikin Kano, Ahmad Umar, emphasized the urgency of proactive measures to address this pressing issue. He declared, “This ugly trend must stop. We have to rise up against it. We will no longer condone a situation whereby our children are kidnapped, sold and their tribe and religion are changed.”
The Kano State Police Command’s dismantling of a human trafficking syndicate, along with the subsequent rescue of seven children, further underscores the gravity of the situation. The Emir of Kano voiced great dismay over the abduction of minors and called for strict punishment of the perpetrators as a deterrent.
In a show of solidarity, the leader of the Igbo community in Kano, Eze Ndigbo, Boniface Igbekwe, vehemently condemned the reprehensible act and urged the authorities to ensure that the culprits face justice. He made it clear that the Igbo community in Kano disassociates itself from any form of criminality and advocates for peaceful coexistence among all ethnic groups.
Additionally, the state chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Faruk Umar, commended the political commitment exhibited by Governor Abba Yusuf and the Police Commissioner, Hussaini Gumel, in providing support to the victims and their families. He urged the police to intensify efforts in eradicating these criminal networks and called on the judiciary to ensure that the perpetrators are held accountable.
The resounding calls from the Emir of Kano, the Igbo community, and the Arewa Consultative Forum reflect a united front against the abhorrent practices of child kidnapping and trafficking. Their unwavering stance serves as a beacon of hope for the protection and welfare of the nation’s children.
