The Borno State Government has rescued 73 children who were linked to drug abuse and criminal activities from the streets and transferred them to the Bulumkuttu Rehabilitation Centre in Maiduguri, the state capital.
LEADERSHIP gathered that the move followed the circulation of a disturbing video on social media, showing a young teenage boy openly admitting to using drugs.
It was also learnt that some of the children between ages 12 and 15 years were not only abusing substances, but also exposed to criminal activities.
Majority of them were identified in areas such as Bulabulin Kasuwa and Gwange Kasan Gada, known as hotspots of youth vulnerability in the state.
Acting swiftly on the development, Borno State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Zuwaira Gambo led her team to these locations to rescue the affected children and moved them to the Bulumkuttu Rehabilitation Centre.
There, the children will undergo comprehensive rehabilitation, counselling, and reintegration programmes under the care and supervision of the Borno State Government.
While addressing the children before their relocation, Hon. Gambo expressed deep concern over rising trend of drug use among minors and stressed that the government will not stand by and watch the future of its youth destroyed.
“You are still very young, and you deserve a better life than this,” she said. “We are not here to punish you, but to support you.”
She added that the Governor Babagana Zulum-led government was committed to giving them another chance to live a meaningful and responsible life.
The Commissioner assured that the ministry will continue to trace, rescue, and rehabilitate more children at risk, while working closely with security agencies, traditional leaders, community members, and non-governmental organisations to eliminate the root causes of drug abuse and dangers to the children.
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