Gombe Governor Says Fate of 48 Missing Children Remains Uncertain

Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya has said authorities are still uncertain about the whereabouts of 48 children reportedly taken from the state, as his administration steps up security and relief interventions.

The governor spoke in Gombe during the inauguration of a Ramadan palliative distribution exercise, where he warned that recent child-stealing incidents and infrastructure vandalism require stronger cooperation between government and residents.

Yahaya said available state records indicate that 48 children aged between two and five were taken to destinations outside Gombe, while their parents remained in the state.

“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.”

He cited a recent case linked to the relaxation of a motorcycle ban, saying a boy was stolen in Orji Estate but later rescued.

Yahaya said some residents had criticised security actions introduced by the government, including restrictions on activities considered linked to crime. He maintained that the measures were taken in the wider public interest and should be judged by their security outcomes.

According to him, peace can only be sustained through collective effort and willingness to take difficult decisions.

“We must take serious measures to tackle these emerging threats and restore peace in the state,” the governor said.

He also addressed concerns around the ban on metal scrap dealings, noting that affected individuals had approached religious leaders to lobby against the policy on livelihood grounds. Yahaya said the administration’s position remains that the restrictions are necessary to reduce theft, curb vandalism and protect public assets.

The governor said major infrastructure has been targeted, including facilities tied to the N26 billion Muhammadu Buhari Industrial Park. He added that electrical installations intended to transmit power from Dadin Kowa Dam to the park had been tampered with and equipment taken.

On social support, Yahaya said the Ramadan palliative exercise targets 70,000 beneficiaries, including persons with disabilities, religious bodies, orphanages, party support groups and other vulnerable residents. He directed the distribution committee to ensure transparency and complete delivery within three days, covering rice, macaroni, spaghetti, oil and sugar among other items.