Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has signed two executive orders demanding landlords and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to collate and document data of tenants and passengers travelling with children to avert child trafficking in the state.
LEADERSHIP reports that early this month, three children were abducted to Anambra State by a tenant who rented an apartment in Gwallameji, a community on the outskirts of the Bauchi metropolis. One of the abducted children was sold for N2 million.
Similarly, in 2023, about seven Bauchi children abducted to Kano were rescued after being sold by their captors.
Speaking after signing the Orders yesterday, Governor Bala Mohammed commended the Nigeria police and other security agencies for their support in recovering the abducted children.
He also called on community leaders to supervise and protect their communities while urging parents to be vigilant and keep a close watch on their children.
Governor Muhammad explained the executive orders’ terms, saying they define landlords’ obligations to profile and verify prospective tenants’ identities before renting out their properties.
He added that tenants must also present themselves to the community head for due diligence.
Governor Mohammed said public transport unions are mandated to verify the identity of persons travelling with children and minors and report any suspicious conduct.
He expressed the hope that implementing the executive order would improve the state’s ranking in doing business and attract more investments to boost the economy.
The governor also emphasised the importance of community trust and insurance, highlighting the need for collective responsibility in maintaining security and safety.
He warned that anyone found violating the provisions of the executive order would be held accountable and face penalties.
He urged landlords, tenants, community leaders, and transport unions to adhere to the guidelines outlined in the order strictly.
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