Vice Chairperson of Nigerian Bar Association, Gombe branch, Mwalin Abdu, has decried the double amputations of a 12-year-old boy named Adamu, following alleged phone theft in Akko Local Government Area of the state.
Abdu, who doubles as Chairperson of NBA Human Rights Committee, condemned what she described as “the spate of child abuse” in a Press statement.
Ms. Abdu said Adamu’s case is a reminder of the 2018 case of then 13-year-old Zubair Abubakar who had his hands amputated after the punishment meted to him by his teacher Malam Sirajo Mohammed, for allegedly stealing a phone.
The punishment reportedly led to the cessation of blood flow Abubakar’s hands the wounds from the punishment led to infection, even as gangrene also set in.
Though Abubakar was treated at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, his case was beyond redemption as his two hands were eventually amputated.
In the 12-year-old Adamu’s case, it was the punishment meted to him by his older brother that led to his double amputations, according to Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, who narrated the tragic event in a post on his X handle on May 21.
Makama in the tweet explained that Adamu’s older brother, whose name was not stated, caught the boy and tied his hands with a rope until he revealed where he hid the phone.
Said Makama, “Unfortunately, the rope was too tight, cutting off circulation to his hands, and by the time the rope was loosened, his hands had become severely damaged, and doctors were forced to amputate them to save his life.
“Sad. His name is Adamu, from Sambi Daji village of Tumu District in Akko LGA in Gombe State. His elder brother did this to him after accusing him of stealing his mobile phone.”
In the Press release issued by the NBA chair and titled, Protecting our future: Urgent action needed on child protection in Gombe State, while commemorating the 2024 Children’s Day, Ms. Abdu said, “In 2018, we woke up to the story of young Zubair Abubakar (13 years old), whose arms were amputated because of the abuse by his teacher.
“Just four days ago was another devastating story of 12-year-old Adamu from Tumu District in Akko LG of same Gombe State who also lost his arms due to alleged theft of phone.
“Even though the office of the Attorney General has taken over the prosecution of the cases, we believe that is not enough, because these two stories are just a tip of the iceberg of the numerous daily reported and unreported complaints or cases of child abuse in the state, ranging from sexual abuse, child labour, child molestation, child trafficking and so on.
“The heartbreaking tales of young victims like Zubair Abubakar and Adamu from Gombe State underscore a troubling reality: child abuse remains a pervasive issue in our communities, transcending mere headlines to expose the harsh realities faced by our most vulnerable members.
“While the ratification of the child protection law in 2022 was a pivotal step, the gap between legislation and its effective enforcement looms large, leaving children at risk and their futures uncertain.
“The time for passive observance has passed, the safeguarding of every child’s well-being demands immediate and resolute action. Gombe State must move swiftly to implement and enforce the child protection law, ensuring that those who exploit and harm our children face the full force of justice.
“Robust reporting mechanisms, specialised victim support services, and widespread awareness campaigns are imperative to redress the rampant abuse, exploitation, and trafficking that plague our dear state.
“On this National Children’s Day, let us recommit ourselves to the noble cause of defending our children’s rights in Gombe State. Their safety is non-negotiable, and our duty is unwavering – to shield them from harm and equip them with the resilience to surmount the challenges that lie ahead.
“Gombe State stands on the threshold of change; the time for action is now. Let us rise as one to protect our children, nurture their dreams, and embolden them to carve a future steeped in promise. The moment beckons, and our children look to us for a brighter tomorrow.”
