Zulum orders arrest of Modu Bukar for Gaji’s molestation in Maiduguri
By Tada Jutha, Maiduguri
The Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, has ordered the immediate arrest of Bukar Modu, who allegedly molested Bashir Gaji, a minor, in a disturbing viral video in the Umarari community of Maiduguri metropolis.
The order of arrest was made on Sunday, in Maiduguri, when he received the little Gaji at the Government House.
The video, which has sparked outrage across social media platforms for over 12 hours, highlighted the grave violation of children’s rights that requires an urgent response from the law enforcement and judicial authorities in the state.
Besides the arrest order, Zulum emphasised that the state government will not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of minors, stating, “I directed a swift action in bringing the perpetrator to justice.”
He noted that the heinous act is an affront to the values that betrayed the duty to protect children, students and minors who are under the guidance of all parents.
He continued, “We cannot tolerate such actions perpetually repeating themselves. I’m directing the relevant authorities to move swiftly by ensuring that Bukar Modu faces the full wrath of the law.
“Our children deserve a safe environment to “grow and learn” to become meaningful members of the society.
Zulum also directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to adopt modalities on increasing community awareness programmes.
He added that the awareness programmes will educate families, local traditional teachers, parents and the guardians on the proper means of instilling discipline in their children and wards.
Meanwhile, the governor announced that he would provide a furnished house for Gaji and his family with a scholarship to cover his education.
The Gaji family is currently living in an internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp in Monguno after his father was killed by Boko Haram insurgents in the Monguno-Kukawa axis.
