By Gbemiga Olamikan.
The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olatunji Disu has appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and ensure the safety of their children. Olatunji made the appeal as police patrol and guard unit of FCT command intercepted 59 children on 6th January 2025, at about 15:30 hours.
The team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sarki Umar intercepted a white Peugeot J5 bus with Reg. No. KMC 283 ZJ along the Abuja-Kano route. The vehicle was driven by ALI IBRAHIM, a male resident of Kano State, accompanied by his motor boy, AL HASSAN IBRAHIM, also of Kano State.
Olatunji said, the bus was found to be transporting 59 male children aged between 4 to 12 years. He said preliminary investigations revealed that the children, who came from different families, were being transported by one Idris Usman, a male resident of Nasarawa State. He allegedly traveled to Kano State to convene the children en route to Nasarawa State under the pretext of training them.
However, CP Olatunji in a press conference said it has been classified as a case of suspected child abuse and trafficking, given the circumstances and the absence of proper documentation or parental consent for the movement of the minors. He revealed that the suspects, the vehicle, and all the children are in custody while a thorough investigation underway.
He assured that Police Command is working closely with FCT Social Development Secretariat (SDS), to ensure that the children are safely reunited with their families and to bring all those involved in this act to justice.
Olatunji therefore reiterated that police is committed to protecting vulnerable groups, children, from exploitation and abuse in line with the Child’s Right Act 2003.
