Gombe: 59 children rescued as central park exposes traffickers

From Abdulrazaq Mungadi, Gombe

No fewer than 59 children have been rescued from suspected human traffickers within eight months following Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s centralisation of motor parks in Gombe.

This was disclosed by the Director-General of Gombe Line Transport Service, Dr. Sani Sabo, while highlighting the security, economic, and humanitarian gains of the governor’s transport reform initiative.

According to him, the decision to merge all motor parks into the Ibrahim Dankwambo Mega Park has improved surveillance and coordination among security agencies, leading to major breakthroughs in combating crime within the transport sector.

“Working in partnership with the Police, NDLEA, NAPTIP, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), we intercepted drugs, illegal weapons, and rescued 59 children from human traffickers within eight months,” Dr. Sabo stated.

He explained that the Mega Park’s manifest system, which captures vehicle plate numbers and passenger data, has made every journey traceable, thereby curbing illegal movements and ensuring accountability across transport operations.

Dr. Sabo also warned commuters against boarding vehicles outside the designated central park, stressing that unregistered vehicles often provide cover for criminal activities.

Beyond the security impact, Dr. Sabo described the transformation of Gombe Line as a model for effective public transport management in Nigeria. He said Governor Yahaya’s administration procured 80 new buses, expanding the company’s fleet to 92 vehicles, and achieving an impressive two-year record of near-zero accidents.

He added that the governor’s subsidised town service, now operating on 11 routes across the metropolis, has made transportation cheaper and safer for workers, students, and traders.

“These reforms reflect Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s people-first leadership, prioritising safety, affordability, and accountability. Our focus is not just on revenue but on protecting lives and improving mobility,” Dr. Sabo affirmed.

He further noted that Gombe Line has diversified into courier and logistics operations, enhancing economic activity and positioning the company as a model of sustainable public enterprise in northern Nigeria.