May 24, (THEWILL) – A coalition of civil society organisations has condemned the gruesome killing of four-year-old Ayman Abubakar in Sokoto State by yet-to-be-identified persons.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by Abdulganiyu Abubakar, the National President of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL); Usman Ahmad Suka, State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network; and Rabiu Bello Gandi, Chairman of the Response Team on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence/Child Protection (SGBV/CP).
They also called for urgent justice and enhanced child protection mechanisms in the state.
The Coalition described the murder of the boy, who was believed to have been abducted before being murdered, as “a horrific violation of the child’s rights and a tragic reminder of the growing threats faced by Nigerian children.”
While offering their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family, they expressed sorrow over a tragedy they described as unimaginable, saying: “No parent should ever have to endure such a brutal loss.”
The Coalition, however, lauded the Sokoto State Police Command for initiating a fresh investigation but urged that it be pursued diligently.
They presented four key demands, which include a thorough and transparent investigation, where authorities must fully uncover the circumstances surrounding the abduction and murder.
“Arrest and prosecution of all involved, in which all suspects, whether directly or indirectly implicated, must be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
“Regular updates to the public, urging law enforcement to maintain transparency by keeping the public and the victim’s family informed about the progress of the investigation”
It also included “strengthening child protection systems, with the urgent need to reinforce child safety measures in schools, religious centres, and communities.”
The coalition also called on the Sokoto State Government, traditional leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to work collaboratively to ensure justice is neither delayed nor denied.
“The safety of every Nigerian child must be treated as a national priority”, the statement emphasised, adding that the organisations will monitor the case closely and stand in solidarity with the family. “Justice for Ayman is justice for all.”
Speaking to journalists, the father of the deceased, Dr Abubakar, appealed for public and media support in seeking justice for his son.
“I’m calling on civil society groups and the media to help ensure that those responsible are brought to justice under the law”, he said.
Tunde Omolehin is an award-winning Journalist with prose in investigative and storytelling that is connecting the dots between the under-reported communities and policymakers to ensure good governance and accountability.
