Governor Inuwa Yahaya has disclosed that 48 children have been reported missing in Gombe State, raising fresh concerns over child abduction in the state.
He made the revelation on Friday during the inauguration of the Ramadan palliatives distribution exercise in Gombe. Although he did not state when the children were taken, the governor expressed uncertainty about whether they would be recovered.
According to Yahaya, official records indicate that 48 children between the ages of two and five were allegedly abducted and trafficked to unknown destinations.
“Their parents are here in the state, but we do not know if the children will be found,” he said.
He referenced a recent abduction at Orji Estate, where a child was taken shortly after authorities relaxed a motorcycle restriction. The child was later rescued.
The governor emphasised that security is a collective responsibility and urged residents to cooperate with measures introduced to protect lives and property, even if such policies prove unpopular.
Yahaya noted that some individuals had resisted certain restrictions, including a ban on metal scrap trading, arguing that it affected their livelihoods. However, he defended the policy as necessary to curb security challenges such as vandalism and motorcycle theft.
He decried the destruction of key infrastructure, including rail tracks and other public assets. The governor further revealed that the N26 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park has been targeted by suspected vandals, with electrical installations connected to the Dadin Kowa Dam reportedly tampered with.
“We must take serious measures to confront these emerging threats and restore peace,” he said.
On the Ramadan intervention programme, Yahaya announced that 70,000 vulnerable residents across the state would benefit. The initiative is aimed at supporting persons living with disabilities, religious organisations, orphanages, party support groups and other disadvantaged groups.
He directed the Palliative Distribution Committee to ensure transparency and fairness in the process, adding that items including rice, macaroni, spaghetti, cooking oil and sugar must be distributed within three days.
The governor reiterated the importance of collective efforts to strengthen peace and stability across the state.
