By Suleiman Adamu, Sokoto
A coalition of Civil Society groups and Non Governmental Organisations under the umbrella of Network Against Child Trafficking , Abuse and Labour (NACTAL) at the weekend, condemned in strong terms the tragic abduction and gruesome killing of 4 year old Ayman Abubakar Hamza in Sokoto urging thorough and transparent investigation surrounding the his murder.
” The safety of every Nigerian child must be treated as a matter of utmost priority. Justice for this young child is justice for all”, it pointed out.
Addressing a press conference in Sokoto, representative of NACTAL President, Mr Rufus Cornelius described the incident as not only a violation of the child’s fundamental rights but a clear reminder r of the growing insecurity faced by innocent Nigerians especially vulnerable children.
” We strongly condemn the heinous act and we urgently call on all relevant security and investigative agencies to rise to the challenge”
While acknowledging the state police in Sokoto for launching fresh investigation on the matter , the coalition demanded government and security agencies to urgently conduct a thorough and transparent investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding Ayman’s abduction and and murder, ensure the arrest and prosecution of suspects by identifying them to ensure justice was not only done but be seen to be done, provide regular updates to the public in line with the principles of transparency and accountability and strengthen child protection measures by institutionalising strong child protection frameworks across all states of the federation.
Accordingly Cornelius stressed that government and traditional leaders must work in concert with security agencies and CSOs to ensure Ayman’s case is not buried in silence or affected by bureaucratic delay.
According to the NACTAL top official” We will closely monitor and stand in solidarity with the family in their pursuit for justice.
” No parent should ever have to endure the unimaginable pain of lossing a child in such a brutal manner”, the coalition reacted.
However, recalling in brief how the incident happened , father to the deceased child, Dr Abubakar Hamza who is also a member of CSO said Ayman was picked by his killers on Sallah eve (March 29,2025) after Asr prayer while playing with his peers.
” We went out searching for him until the boy playing with him told us that he was taken by some people who came in a car and we immediately started searching for him.
” We immediately reported the matter to the police who also asked the boy and he repeated same statement even mentioning the colour of the car when investigation swiftly commenced.
” Until Thursday , 15th May , 2025 when information got to us that Ayman’s body was found in a soakaway after thorough search by security operatives”, Hamza narrated in tears.
He said already an autopsy was being conducted in line with the police investigation process which result is being awaited for further action.
