Ishaku invites missing children’s parents for verification, claim

THE Governor of Taraba State, Darius Dickson Ishaku, has called on parents whose child or children have been reportedly missing to, as a matter of urgency, come to Jalingo, the state capital, for verification and claim of their wards.

The call, which was made by the governor through a press statement, was as a result of the arrest of a suspected child trafficker by the police command.

The suspect, who was found in possession of 17 under-aged children, The Guardian learnt, is presently in the custody of the command.

The statement, signed by the Chief Press Secretary, Alhaji Hassan Mijinyawa, expressed shock and deep concern over the development.

It said: “Children are special gifts from God who deserve special care and love from the society devoid of any form of abuse or illegal separation from their immediate families as seen in the case of those innocent children.”

“The government will stand firm in fighting this unwholesome abuse of child’s right in the state.”

The governor also admonished parents and the public to be more vigilant and report any suspicious activities involving children or groups of children in transit to the public.

“The need for the parents of the 17 rescued children or anyone who has lost his child recently to come to Jalingo and contact the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development for verification and claim of his or her ward as opined by the governor, has become vital”, the statement further said.

Seven out of the 17 children, as observed by The Guardian, are females whose age ranges between four and eight years.

The children, who were on Tuesday rescued by the police from the suspect who had almost succeeded in crossing the River Benue along Ibi Local Council in Taraba State to the neighbouring Plateau State are Daniel Bello (nine years), Masiru Nekan (nine years).

Others are Shagari Danjuma (eight years), Musa Yakubu (eight years), Rabo Edem (eight years), Sunday Adamu (eight years), Dickson Tishi (seven years), Ma Idi (six years), Oliver Jimmy (six years), Abednego Allahaji (six years), Yahaya Bitrus (six years) and Blessing Lucky (six years).

Also among the rescued children are Vilter Stephen (five years), Blessing John (five years), Obadiah Sabo (five years), Farida Danladi (five years) and Makambe Lowmb (five years).

Meanwhile, the children who are presently in custody of the state government would be well taken care of pending when their parents and guardians would come around to take them, according to the statement.

Also speaking on the issue, the Police Commissioner through the Command Public Relations Officer. Joseph Kwaji, told The Guardian that the suspect would soon be charged to court as soon as the police conclude investigation.
T
he PPRO said the commissioner of police is very much interested in the case and the immediate transfer of the rescued children and the suspect to Jalingo, the state capital.