A coalition of civil society organizations has condemned the abduction and brutal killing of four-year-old Ayman Abubakar in Sokoto State, demanding swift justice and urgent action to safeguard children across the state.
The group which comprised Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, the Child Protection Network, and the Sokoto Response Team on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence/Child Protection described the incident as “a horrific violation of a child’s rights and a tragic reminder of the growing dangers facing Nigerian children.”
Speaking at a press conference held at the American Corner in Sokoto on Saturday, leaders of the coalition Abdulganiyu Abubakar (NACTAL National President), Usman Ahmad Suka (CPN State Coordinator), and Rabiu Bello Gandi (Chairman, SGBV/CP Response Team) extended their condolences to the bereaved family and demanded immediate action.
A joint statement issued during the press conference partly reads, “We stand in solidarity with the family and with every Nigerian parent grieving a child lost to violence. No parent should ever have to endure such a brutal loss.”
The groups commended the Sokoto State Police Command for reopening investigations and urged the authorities to act with urgency and transparency.
They listed four key demands, which include a “thorough and transparent investigation of the circumstances surrounding Ayman’s disappearance and murder.”
Other demands are arrest and prosecution of all culprits,regular public updates on the investigation, strengthening child protection systems and urgent reinforcement of safety measures in schools, mosques, churches, and communities.
The organizations further called on the Sokoto State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders to collaborate to ensure justice is not only served but seen to be served.
“The safety of every Nigerian child must become a national priority. We will continue to follow this case closely. Justice for Ayman is justice for all,” the civil society groups affirmed.
In a voice filled with grief, Ayman’s father, Dr. Abubakar, appealed to the public and the media for support in the quest for justice. “We cannot bring him back, but we can ensure that those responsible face the law. I call on civil society and the press to amplify this cause,” he said.
Recounting the ordeal, the father said, “Ayman vanished on March 29, the eve of Sallah, after attending prayers at a nearby mosque.” According to the father, he was last seen playing with a neighbor’s child, who later claimed that some men took Ayman away in a car.
After over seven weeks of intense searching, the child’s body was discovered on Thursday, May 15. According to Abubakar, the witness also identified the car allegedly used in the abduction.
Security sources said the case is under active investigation. Multiple suspects are reportedly in custody, and an autopsy report is expected to be submitted to the police in the coming days.
