- Emir of Kano denounces child kidnapping and trafficking, emphasizing the urgent need to stop the illicit practice within the state
- The Kano State police dismantle a trafficking syndicate, leading to the rescue of seven children; Igbo community condemns the reprehensible act
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, has strongly denounced the disturbing practice of kidnapping and selling children, particularly northern minors, to southern regions of the country. Addressing the media in Kano, the emir, represented by Dan Malikin Kano, Amb Ahmad Umar, asserted that the emirate would no longer tolerate such abductions and child trafficking within the state.
Expressing deep concern, the first-class traditional ruler emphasized the urgency of taking proactive measures to curb this alarming trend. 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.”
The Kano State police command, on December 27, 2023, reported the dismantling of a human trafficking syndicate engaged in the abduction, purchase, and sale of minors. The syndicate operated across Kano, Bauchi, Lagos, Delta, Anambra, and Imo states. Nine suspects were arrested, and seven children, predominantly from Bauchi State, were rescued.
In response, the leader of the Igbo community in Kano, Boniface Igbekwe, also condemned the reprehensible act, urging authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice. Represented by the prime minister of the Igbo community, Chief Nwaimo Efanyi, he expressed shock and disbelief at the news of the kidnapped children rescued by the police. The entire Igbo community in Kano dissociated themselves from the suspects, emphasizing their commitment to peaceful coexistence.