Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of Bukar Modu, who was allegedly caught abusing a minor, Bashir Gaji, in a viral video that stirred public outrage on social media.
Acting on the governor’s directive, security operatives apprehended Modu on Saturday night in Umarari, Maiduguri.
Governor Zulum met with the victim, young Bashir Gaji, on Sunday at the Government House in Maiduguri, where he strongly condemned the incident.
“This heinous act is an affront to our values and a betrayal of our duty to protect children under our care,” Zulum stated. “We will not allow such abuses to continue unchecked. I have directed the authorities to ensure this individual is brought to justice. Our children deserve a safe and nurturing environment.”
Zulum also instructed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to initiate community sensitisation campaigns to educate families, traditional teachers, and guardians on non-violent disciplinary methods.
In a show of support for the victim, the governor announced that the state government would provide a fully furnished house for Gaji’s family and award the child a full scholarship to support his education.
Reports indicate that the boy and his family currently live in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Monguno Local Government Area, having been displaced by Boko Haram attacks that claimed his father’s life.
