Borno State to control, monitor unaccompanied children to Maiduguri metropolis
By Tada Juthan
The Borno State government has begun to control and monitor the influx of unaccompanied children into Maiduguri metropolis and the Jere Local Council of the state.
The decision to restrict the children was taken during the recent Security Council Meeting (SCM) over the national protests held at the Government House, Maiduguri.
Briefing the outcome of the council meeting on Thursday in Maiduguri, the Commissioner of Information and Internal Security, Prof. Usman Tar, stated that the state government is committed to addressing the massive influx of unaccompanied children into the metropolis and Jere council.
“The council members led by Governor Babagana Zulum met on Monday, August 5, 2024, to review the security situation in the state.
“After a thorough review of all that happened during the Maiduguri protests from August 1–5, the council reached some resolutions.”
He said that among the resolutions of the council meeting were the transportation of unaccompanied children to the metropolis and the Jere council.
Tar declared that “Henceforth, all the transported unaccompanied children shall be controlled and monitored from coming into the state.”
He noted that only children identified as having parental guides and carers would be allowed into the Maiduguri metropolis and Jere Local Government Area.
The commissioner stated that the state government has pledged to continue supporting the security agencies to enforce law and order in the state.
He added that part of the council resolution was to ensure that all cases of arrest are prosecuted in the courts of law.
“This will act as deterrents to the protesting youths for destroying people’s lives and property for two days in the metropolis and parts of Jere council,” he warned.
On the cases of juveniles, he said: “All the arrested underage youths would be treated accordingly, while the State Ministry of Justice was mandated to immediately develop a juvenile justice system.”
He also urged members of the public to support the security agencies with local intelligence that could maintain peace and stability in the state.
