The Kano State Police command has formally handed over eight out of the nine rescued Kano-born children to the state governor, Abdullahi Ganduje, just as the police disclosed that two of the kids are yet to be claimed by their parents.
DAILY NIGERIAN reports that on Friday, October 11, that the state police command had paraded a suspected gang of six Igbo kidnappers in connection with the abduction, selling and an alleged forceful conversion to Christianity of nine Kano-born children in Onitsha, Anambra State.
Receiving the liberated children at the Government House, Kano, Mr Ganduje, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Usman Alhaji, described the discovery of the children as divine act.
In a statement on Tuesday, Mr Ganduje’s spokesman, Ameen Yassar, the SSG said the Police had demonstrated high professional capacity in dealing with the criminality.
Mr Yassar, however, said the ninth child had taken ill and is currently receiving medication at an undisclosed hospital, in the state capital.
“I must commend the CP and the Special Anti –Kidnapping squad for rescuing these children. Since this incident happened, the Police have appropriately managed the situation, to the extent that no breach of the peace occurred anywhere,” the statement further quoted the SSG as saying.
“On this matter, specifically, the government of Kano State has been in constant contact with the security agencies because of the gravity of the situation and the need to make sure that situation does not degenerate to something else.
“We have vowed to protect lives and property of the people and the government is remaining resolute in that direction,” the governor stated.
“In this connection, I want to appeal to parents of these rescued children to always watch their wards and restrict themselves and the kids from unnecessary media exposure and dealings with NGOs, as some people may likely exploit the situation for selfish reasons,” said Mr Alhaji.
According to him, the parents must understand that investigation into the case of their children and similar cases is ongoing, noting that any negative remarks from them are capable of jeopardizing the work of security agencies.
He, therefore, appealed to the parents of the victims to shun any action that could lead to social unrest.
He announced that the state government would soon unfold a special arrangement for the rescued kids during a special meeting with them and their families.
Presenting the children to the governor, the Commander, Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the state command, Babagana Saje, explained that it was the reported kidnapping of one child that led to the discovery of a kidnapping racket in Kano and Onitsha.
“We have arrested some of the suspects including a man and his wife, who kidnap children here and sell them off in Onitsha.
“They sell the children for about N200, 000 to a lady in Onitsha who, in turn, sells them to her customers in Lagos.
“In fact, two of the children were found with her, as domestic servants,” the statement also quoted Mr Saje as saying.
According to him, parents of seven out of the nine have identified their children, following the necessary security procedures, but two are yet to be claimed.
“I, therefore, want to urge parents whose children have been kidnapped in Kano to please come forward and identify the remaining two kids in our custody.
“All the suspects in this case will be taken to court as soon as the Police complete investigations,” he assured.
Speaking on behalf of the parents, Muhammad Ali explained that his daughter Aisha was abducted in 2016.
He said all the parents were overwhelmed with joy reuniting with their kids.
Mr Ali, therefore, thanked the Police for doing a wonderful job.
