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IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential
IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential
By: Michael Mike
The United Nations International Organisation for Migration (IOM), Yobe State Government and Almajiri Child Rights Initiative (ACRI) have pushed for official and regularized education of Almajiris to enable them fit into modern needs of a society and subsequently achieve their full potential.
This was the crux of discussion at a roundtable meeting: “achieving durable solutions and sustainable impact for protecting vulnerable street and migrant children in Nigeria.”
The event organised by organised by IOM, Yobe government and ACRI which commenced on Monday and run through Wednesday, also featured workshop session on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), Gender-Based Violence (GBV), and Trafficking in Persons (TiP) to commemorate the International Day for the Almajiri child.
The IOM Chief of Mission Laurent De Boeck said the organisation will uphold the principles of on-discrimination, best interest of the child, right to life and safeguarding their dignity.
He explained the roundtable will foster dialogue among key stakeholders and promote response to child trafficking, and strengthen partnerships on ways to ensure child protection.
He noted that this will ensure every Almajiris realize their full potential and lead a life of dignity and opportunity. He said: “I will like to celebrate with you the International Day of the Child.
“I believe that all of us are children to someone and also as parent the concern gives us the value of childhood and the right that every child in the world should have access to.
“It is the reason I am happy to be with to celebrate and engage in ensuring the children in the world, particularly in Nigeria have the rights they truly deserve.
“It is particularly interesting to discuss what can be gained in the protection of vulnerable children in the streets in Nigeria.
“Therefore, one of the national efforts to bring together all the partners from different sectors to the board.”
On his part, Yobe State Commissioner of Religious Affairs and Ethical Orientation, Alhaji Yusuf Umar, commended organisation of the event, stating that it was apt and would proffers solution to issues that border on Almajiris.
He described Almajiri as a long standing Islamic education system that unfortunately faced numerous challenges in the country lately.
He noted that these challenges include inability to access formal education, healthcare and social services, which has left most children particularly Almajiris marginalised.
Umar said, “This event will not have come at a better time intended to facilitate response to child trafficking, promote dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, to tackle challenges faced by this category of children.
“Yobe under the purposeful leadership of Gov. Mai Mala Buni, accords priority to the welfare of Almajiri among other children, particularly bearing in mind they are mostly affected in states ravaged Boko Haram.”
The ACRI Board Chair, Fati Murtala-Ibrahim disclosed that the event marked the fourth edition since the establishment of the initiative.
She said: “This roundtable serves as a vital advocacy structure by ACRI to continuously bring issues about Almajiris to the forefront of discussion.
“In past years, our national advocacy campaign has successfully increased, in terms of public concern and engagement.”
Director-General of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Prof. Fatima Waziri-Azi, emphasised the need for review of Almajiri education system to ensure protection of children without exploitation.
Waziri-Azi, who was represented by Director Research and Programme Development, NAPTIP, Mr Josiah Emerole, said: “The protection of children in the Almajiri system and the fight against trafficking are not just legal obligations, but moral imperatives.
“As we commence this roundtable and subsequent training, let us reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of all children.
“Through collaborative efforts, strengthened legislation and relentless advocacy, we can create a safer, more just society where every child is free from exploitation and able to realize their full potential.
IOM, Yobe Govt Push for Education that Will Enable Almajiris Fulfill Full Potential
Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers on Monday at about 4am invaded male students’ hostels at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi, dispossessing occupants of mobile phones and valuables, and stabbing two students in the process.
The attack, which took place in the early hours of Monday, occurred within the Gwalameji campus of the institution, located about four kilometres from the city centre.
Eyewitnesses told Zagazola Makama that the robbers, numbering between 15 and 20, broke into several hostel rooms and threatened students with weapons, including knives.
“They moved from room to room, collecting phones, laptops and money. Two students who resisted were stabbed before the attackers fled,” said a student who requested anonymity for security reasons.
Zagazola gathered that the incident sparked outrage among students, who later blocked the Bauchi–Dass highway near the school gate to protest what they described as recurring security lapses on campus.
The protest was dispersed by security operatives using teargas, while the institution’s management promptly suspended academic activities and ordered students to vacate the campus within two hours.
Troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel were deployed to restore order.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Police, who visited the campus, addressed the students and assured them that efforts were underway to apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen campus security.
A security source told Zagazola that the targeted attack on male hostels point to the gaps in intelligence and emergency response, particularly given the proximity of the school to the state capital.
“The robbers operated for some time without interruption, which suggests that security patrols and outposts in the area need to be more proactive, especially since Gwalameji has a history of criminal incidents,” the source said.
The students, citing lack of security personnel, poor medical facilities and other welfare issues, staged a protest after being addressed by school officials.
Following a tip-off later in the day, police arrested three suspects, Mansur Yakubu, also known as Chasu; Abbas Auwal, 20; and Musa Bala, 20, alias Babannani all of Lushi area, Bauchi.
The suspects confessed to the crime and named their accomplices, identified as Kalifa Danboda of Birshin Gandu, and others known as Dady, Soja, Baki, and Sunusi, alias “Ba Su Aikin Allah,” who are currently at large.
Authorities says efforts are intensified to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Bauchi Polytechnic students protest after 20 armed robbers raid campus hostel
Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed bandits numbering about 200 stormed Babanla town in Kwara state on motorbikes at around 1:00 p.m. on Friday, killing a police officer and looting a local market.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the assailants, who fired sporadically, attacked the Babanla Police Station, where ASP Adejumo Wasiu attached to the ACPOL Offa was shot dead. His AK-47 rifle was taken by the attackers.
Sources said that the station was ransacked, though no additional arms were lost, as all other weapons were on charge at the time.
After the assault on the police facility, the gunmen moved to the town’s market, seizing large quantities of foodstuffs.
A joint force comprising military, police, vigilantes, and local hunters mobilized swiftly, repelling the attack and restoring order.
The number of civilian casualties remains unknown as at the time of filling this report
Massive Bandit Attack in Kwara Police station, Leaves Police ASP Dead, Market Looted
Eight Suspects Escape from Police Custody in Gona in Bauchi One Rearrested
By: Zagazola Makama
Police in Gona in Bauchi state are on a manhunt after eight suspects in custody for various offences escaped from their cell in the early hours of August 8, 2025.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 12:20 a.m. on Saturday when the detainees broke out of their cell and forcefully opened the nearby exit door before fleeing to an unknown destination.
It was gathered that a rapid response patrol and divisional surveillance teams were deployed immediately. One of the escapees, identified as Abdullahi Haliru, has since been rearrested.
The sources said that authorities have circulated alerts to aid in the capture of the remaining fugitives
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