Gombe State Government Plans To Charge Man Who Amputated His Nephew’s Arm For Allegedly Stealing A Phone.

The Gombe State Government is set to prosecute a man who amputated the hands of his 12-year-old nephew, Adamu, over a suspected phone theft. The incident, which occurred in the Tumu District of Akko Local Government Area, has sparked outrage and highlighted the urgent need for child protection measures.

Abubakar Jungudo, Director of Public Prosecutions, confirmed that the case has been referred to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and is awaiting assignment by the Chief Judge of Gombe State. This shocking crime was brought to light by a magistrate in Kashere, emphasizing the severity of the injury.

Mwalin Abdu, vice chairperson of the Nigerian Bar Association's Gombe branch and head of the NBA's Human Rights Committee, condemned the incident in a statement on Children's Day. She stressed the importance of enforcing the Child Protection Law to prevent further abuses. Abdu recounted a similar case from 2018 involving 13-year-old Zubair Abubakar, whose arms were amputated due to abuse.

Abdu highlighted the prevalence of child abuse in Gombe State, including sexual abuse, child labor, molestation, and trafficking. She called for immediate action to bridge the gap between legislation and effective enforcement, urging stakeholders to implement robust reporting mechanisms, victim support services, and awareness campaigns.

Zagazola Makama, a counterterrorism expert, provided details of the incident, explaining that Adamu's elder brother tied his hands with a rope to force a confession about the missing phone. The rope cut off circulation, leading to severe damage and the eventual amputation of Adamu's hands.

This tragic case underscores the dire need for comprehensive measures to protect children in Gombe State and ensure that perpetrators of such heinous acts face justice. The community must unite to safeguard the well-being of its youngest and most vulnerable members.