The Emir of Kano, represented by Dan Malikin Kano, Ahmad Umar, has expressed concern over the kidnapping and trafficking of children in the state during a press conference in Kano. He said the emirate would no longer tolerate this practice and preventative measures must be taken to put an end to it.
He stressed that this alarming trend must stop and that the population must mobilize to put an end to it. He said many people were victims of these kidnappings and their children were sold and their religious and tribal identities changed.
Kano State recently dismantled a human trafficking network specializing in the kidnapping, buying and selling of minors. Nine suspects were arrested and seven children, most of whom are from Bauchi State, were rescued.
The Emir expressed his deep disappointment at the kidnappings and called for those responsible to be severely punished in order to deter others from committing such acts.
He also stressed that Kano State has always been welcoming to visitors and considered them as its own sons. However, he stressed that the kindness of the state should not be exploited to commit crimes.
The leader of the Igbo community in Kano, Eze Ndigbo, also condemned these criminal acts and called on the authorities to bring those responsible to justice.
He also asserted that the Igbo community in Kano completely dissociates itself from the suspects and any wrongdoing committed in their name. He stressed that the community is committed to living in peace with other communities.
The Eze Ndigbo praised the work of the Kano police for dismantling the network and rescuing the victims. He asked authorities to continue searching and rescuing the abducted children until all are found.
ACF President Dr Goni Faruk Umar commended the political commitment of Governor Abba Yusuf and Commissioner of Police Hussaini Gumel for their support to the victims and their families. He also called on the police to step up their efforts to dismantle these criminal gangs.
The article ends by emphasizing the importance of the role of justice in the prosecution of these criminals and calling for them to be tried and punished in accordance with the law.