Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi State, recently facilitated the reunion of three children who had been kidnapped in the Bauchi metropolis and trafficked to Anambra State by an unidentified individual.
According to reports, a woman was accused of abducting her neighbours’ children from the Gwalameji area of Bauchi in December of the previous year. It is believed that she rented an apartment in the vicinity just before the children went missing. Residents recalled that the suspect left without taking any personal belongings, making her departure suspicious.
In response to the crime, the police forces of Bauchi and Anambra States launched coordinated investigations and issued notices for several suspects. Initial findings revealed that one of the children was being offered for a price of N2 million.
Auwal Musa, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, confirmed that the authorities had successfully located and rescued the children while arresting individuals associated with the trafficking operation. However, the main culprit is still at large. The children were subsequently handed over to the authorities to be reunited with their families.
Governor Mohammed expressed his alarm over the growing number of child abductions, particularly those linked to trafficking for sale. He also reminded the public of a similar incident that occurred two years ago when children were abducted and taken to southern Nigeria. He called for the swift prosecution of those involved and urged both the Attorney General and the Chief Judge to expedite the legal process to ensure that justice was served and prevent further crimes.
The Governor highlighted that rising child abductions are driven by poverty, neglect by parents, and the influx of criminals from other areas. He praised the police for their efforts in rescuing the children without harm.
One of the detained suspects, a woman, admitted to purchasing one of the children for N2 million. She stated that another suspect, who allegedly had connections within the Anambra State government, had assured her that the transaction would be legitimised. She further explained that her husband had taken a second wife due to her inability to bear children, which influenced her decision to participate in the illegal deal.
