Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed has signed two executive orders directing landlords and members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to collect and document data on tenants and passengers traveling with children in order to prevent child trafficking in the state.
According to reports, a renter who rented an apartment in Gwallameji, a town on the outskirts of Bauchi, abducted three children and took them to Anambra State earlier this month. One of the kidnapped youngsters was sold for N2 million.
Similarly, in 2023, approximately seven Bauchi children abducted and sold in Kano were rescued.
Governor Bala Mohammed spoke after signing the Orders Wednesday, thanking the Nigerian police and other security services for their assistance in finding the abducted children.
He also urged community leaders to supervise and defend their communities, as well as parents to remain cautious and keep a careful eye on their children.
Governor Muhammad highlighted the wording of the executive decrees, which define landlords’ responsibility to profile and verify prospective tenants before renting out their properties.
He further stated that tenants must show themselves to the community head for due diligence.
Governor Mohammed stated that public transportation unions are required to verify the identities of passengers traveling with children and minors and report any suspicious behavior.
He expressed hope that enforcing the executive order will improve the state’s economic climate and attract more investment, boosting the economy.
The governor also emphasized the importance of community trust and insurance, emphasizing the necessity for shared responsibility in ensuring security and safety.
He cautioned that anyone found in violation of the executive order would be held accountable and penalized.
He asked landlords, tenants, community leaders, and transportation unions to rigorously follow the order’s instructions.
