Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate prosecution of Bukar Modu, a man shown in a disturbing viral video allegedly molesting a minor, Bashir Gaji.
Following the governor’s directive, Bukar Modu was arrested by security operatives on Saturday night at Umarari in Maiduguri, the state capital.
Zulum gave the prosecution order on Sunday when he met with little Bashir Gaji at the Government House in Maiduguri.
The video, which has sparked outrage across social media platforms, highlights a grave violation of children’s rights and the urgent need for a robust response from law enforcement and judicial authorities.
Governor Zulum has emphasised that his administration will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of minors and directed swift action to bring the perpetrator to justice.
“This heinous act is an affront on our values and a betrayal of our duty to protect our children, students and minors who are under our guardianship,” Governor Zulum said. “We cannot tolerate such actions perpetually repeating itself. I am directing the relevant authorities to move swiftly and ensure that this individual faces the full extent of the law. Our children deserve a safe environment to grow and become meaningful members of society.”
The governor, however, directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to devise modalities for increased community awareness programmes to educate families and local traditional teachers and guardians on the proper means of enforcing discipline on children.
Meanwhile, Governor Zulum during his meeting with victim announced that he would provide a fully furnished house for Bukar and his family and a scholarship to cover his education.
Our correspondent reports that little Gaji’s family currently lives in an IDP camp in Monguno LGA of the State after his father was murdered by Boko Haram insurgents.
