The governor made the disclosure on Friday during the inauguration of a Ramadan palliatives distribution exercise held in Gombe, expressing deep concern over what he described as a disturbing wave of child-stealing activities sweeping across the state.
“From 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,” Yahaya said. “Their parents are here within the state. As for the children, we do not know whether they will ever be found.”
Yahaya cited one recent case where a boy was abducted at Orji Estate following a partial relaxation of a motorcycle ban in the state, though he noted the child was fortunately rescued. He used the incident to underscore the security risks posed by easing the restriction.
