Bauchi gov seeks end to violence against children

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has tasked stakeholders on child development to rise up and take decisive actions to stem “the unacceptable cases” of violence and intimidation against children.

The governor made the plea Tuesday during the 2025 National Children’s Day Celebration with the theme ‘Stand up, Speak up, Building a Bullying-free Generation’ held at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.

Represented by his Deputy, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, the governor explained that his administration was committed to protecting the rights and privileges of all children towards creating awareness on the negative impact of bullying on individuals and communities, and as well educate children and parents to recognise and prevent bullying behaviour.

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Mohammed noted that the state government was also working towards addressing cyberbullying and promoting responsible online behaviour among youths, as well as encouraging digital accountability.

The governor promised to support victims and bystanders to speak up against bullying and to provide tools and strategies for children to assert themselves safely and effectively.

“The children’s day is an occasion to remind our children about their duties and responsibilities to us as parents. There is no duty more important to us as parents than ensuring that children are cared for, protected, respected, their lives are free from fear so that they grow as responsible adults.

“Abuse against children comes in so many forms which cause physical and emotional harm to the growth and development of the child. This ultimately leads to permanent psychological and emotional trauma on the child,” he said.

The governor assured that the state government would continue to perform its primary responsibility of promoting and protecting the right of every citizen, including children, as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Child Rights Act, 2003.

Mohammed also directed the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Child Development to liaise with other agencies to work out appropriate programme, including actions and measures that would help in fighting the scourge of cyber crime, child abuse, child abduction, child labour and child trafficking, among others.