From Shuaibu Zubair Tatu, Birnin Kebbi
Kebbi State Governor, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has expressed disgust and rage over the dastardly chaining of the twelve-year-old boy, Jibril Aliyu, for two years, by his father and three foster mothers, alongside livestock and was starved.
This is contained in a statement by Mallam Yahaya Sarki, Special Adviser to Gov. Atiku Bagudu, and made available to the newsmen in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday
According to him ill-fated teenager, whose mother died two years ago, is said to be a Down Syndrome Patient.
The governor, who was angry, spoke to the BBC Hausa, on the unfortunate incident.
He said that, although investigations were on-going on the bizarre chaining of the twelve-year-old in the Badariya area of Birni Kebbi, the state capital, yet, the despicable act was hugely condemnable.
Bagudu said: “The Police are yet to submit their report on the father and foster mothers of the boy, but, the heinous act, just as it is regrettable and disheartening.
“The state government has taken all the required steps, with a view to treating and rehabilitating the boy.”
The Kebbi governor appreciated the invaluable support and show of concern by various highly spirited individuals and groups.
He lauded agencies like the National Human Rights Commission and his wife , Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, among others , for taking swift actions, which led to the urgent hospitalization of the boy at the Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital, Birnin Kebbi.
Bagudu averred,” he is now receiving medical attention at the hospital and we will leave no stone unturned in this direction.
“What happened to this boy is shameful and very disturbing. We will never allow such an obnoxious incident to recur anywhere in the state.
“Everybody has the compulsory duty to be alive and be privy what happens in our houses, our neighbour’s residences and the entire communities.
“If there is any lapse in this direction, we should be held responsible and liable. We have collective responsibilities to all children, even if they are not our own biological sons and daughters.”
Bagudu said that, when passed into law, state Child Rights Act, now before state House of Assembly, I will assent to it, without any hesitation.
“The proposed law will expand our mandate and responsibilities towards protecting the rights of child and we will not waver in doing this,” Bagudu, pledged.
