The Gombe governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has alleged that 48 children have been taken from Gombe State, expressing concern over their whereabouts and safety.
The governor made the claim on Friday during the launch of the Ramadan palliatives distribution exercise in Gombe. He did not indicate when the children were allegedly taken and said it remains unclear whether they would be found.
“From the available records, 48 Gombe State children between the ages of two and five have been stolen from the state to other parts of the world,” he said.
“Their parents are here within the state. For the children, we don’t know if they would be found or not.
”With the relaxation of the motorcycle ban, a boy was stolen at Orji Estate but thankfully, he was rescued.”
Yahaya stressed that maintaining security is a shared responsibility and urged residents to support government initiatives aimed at curbing threats to peace.
“We must take serious measures to tackle these emerging threats and restore peace in the state. Before now, Nigerians were living in peace, why was it so? What is now missing and what are we supposed to do? We need to evaluate things today and do what we ought to do, no matter how tough,” he added.
The governor also recalled that individuals affected by the prohibition on metal scrap trading had appealed to religious leaders to intervene, arguing that the ban affected their livelihoods. He maintained that the restriction was introduced to strengthen security, address persistent motorcycle theft and restore order.
Yahaya further decried widespread vandalism of public infrastructure, noting that the newly established ₦26 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park has been targeted, with electrical facilities linked to the Dadin Kowa Dam reportedly tampered with and equipment removed.
Regarding the Ramadan palliative programme, the governor said 70,000 beneficiaries would receive support, including persons with disabilities, religious bodies, orphanages, party support groups and other vulnerable residents.
He directed the distribution committee to ensure accountability and equity.
“The items must be distributed within the next three days, including rice, macaroni, spaghetti, oil, sugar, among other items,” he said.