Yobe Plans Child Protection Commission With Powers To Investigate Abuse

The Yobe State Government has initiated plans to establish a Child Protection Commission with powers to investigate abuse cases, summon individuals and recommend prosecution as part of efforts to strengthen the protection and welfare of children across the state.

The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abubakar Bukar Kagu, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the proposed commission would provide a dedicated institutional framework for addressing child protection concerns and ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.

Kagu said the initiative followed consultations with justice sector stakeholders, including the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), the Law Officers Association and other civil society organisations, during which concerns over child protection featured prominently.

He described existing child protection arrangements in the state as inadequate, noting that the responsibility was largely handled by a single desk officer in one of the ministries, alongside a few committees.

According to him, the Ministry of Justice has been directed to develop a proposal for presentation to Governor Mai Mala Buni for the establishment of the commission.

Kagu said the proposed body would have quasi-judicial powers to receive complaints, summon individuals, investigate cases, conduct inquiries and refer matters for prosecution. It would also make recommendations to relevant authorities on issues affecting children.

He added that the commission would have a dedicated budget and adequate personnel to enable it to focus exclusively on children’s welfare and protection.

The Attorney General said the proposed institution was particularly important given the social challenges worsened by years of insurgency in Yobe State, which had left many children vulnerable.

“We envisage a system where those who violate our children will be confronted assertively by the full weight of the law and of the State,” he said.

Kagu noted that Governor Buni had already signed the Yobe State Child Protection Law 2022 and the Yobe State Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law 2022, providing a legal foundation for efforts to protect children and other vulnerable persons.

He said the proposed commission would strengthen the state’s institutional response to child abuse and welfare concerns, while providing a more dedicated structure for addressing complaints and pursuing accountability.

The commission is still at the proposal stage, with the Ministry of Justice expected to prepare the document for the governor’s consideration.