In a strong denouncement of the alarming rise in the abduction and sale of minors in Kano State, the Emir, represented by Dan Malikin Kano, Amb Ahmad Umar, declared that the emirate would no longer tolerate such heinous acts.
The traditional ruler expressed deep concern over the severity of the issue, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to curb the illicit trade of children.
He stated, “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 changed.
“This illicit act must stop. We have to rise up to check the situation as it is going out of hand. It happened few years ago and it has happened again. Only God knows how many of our children have been kidnapped and sold.”
The Kano State police command, on December 27, 2023, disclosed the dismantling of a human trafficking syndicate involved in the abduction, purchase, and sale of minors.
Nine suspects were apprehended in a joint operation spanning Kano, Bauchi, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states. The police successfully rescued seven children, predominantly from Bauchi State.
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In response to the distressing situation, the leader of the Igbo community in Kano, Boniface Igbekwe, condemned the acts and urged authorities to swiftly bring the perpetrators to justice.
Speaking through the prime minister of the Igbo community, Chief Nwaimo Efanyi, Igbekwe expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the kidnapped children rescued by the police. He asserted the community’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and disassociated themselves from any individuals involved in such heinous acts.
Credit: NAN