From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
A coalition of civil society organisations has condemned the abduction and murder of four-year-old Ayman Abubakar in Sokoto State, calling for swift justice and stronger child protection measures.
The Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), Child Protection Network (CPN), and Sokoto Response Team on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence/Child Protection issued a joint statement, describing the incident as “a horrific violation of a child’s rights and a tragic reminder of the growing dangers facing Nigerian children.”
At a press conference on Saturday, May 24, at the American Corner in Sokoto, coalition leaders Abdulganiyu Abubakar (NACTAL National President), Usman Ahmad Suka (CPN State Coordinator), and Rabiu Bello Gandi (Chairman, SGBV/CP Response Team) expressed condolences to Ayman’s family and demanded urgent action. “We stand in solidarity with the family and with every Nigerian parent grieving a child lost to violence. No parent should ever have to endure such a brutal loss,” the statement read.
The coalition praised the Sokoto State Police Command for reopening investigations and outlined four demands: a thorough and transparent investigation into Ayman’s disappearance and murder, the arrest and prosecution of all culprits, regular public updates, and enhanced child ministries, mosques, churches, and communities.
They urged the Sokoto State Government, traditional rulers, security agencies, and stakeholders to ensure justice is served. “The safety of every Nigerian child must become a national priority. Justice for Ayman is justice for all,” the groups affirmed.
Ayman’s father, Dr Abubakar, appealed for public and media support, stating, “We cannot bring him back, but we can ensure that those responsible face the law. I call on civil society and the press to amplify this cause.”
He recounted that Ayman vanished on Friday, March 28, 2025, after attending prayers at a mosque during Sallah preparations. A neighbour’s child later reported seeing Ayman taken away in a car. After seven weeks of searching, his body was found on Thursday, May 15.
The case remains under investigation, with multiple suspects in custody and an autopsy report pending.