A coalition of civil society organisations has demanded urgent action and justice following the abduction and tragic killing of four-year-old Ayman Abubakar in Sokoto State. The coalition described the incident as a heartbreaking reflection of the growing threats to children across Nigeria.
At a press conference held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the American Corner in Sokoto, representatives of the Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour (NACTAL), the Child Protection Network (CPN), and the Sokoto State Response Team on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence/Child Protection expressed outrage and sorrow over the incident.
In a joint statement signed by NACTAL National President, Abdulganiyu Abubakar; CPN State Coordinator, Usman Ahmad Suka; and Chairman of the SGBV/CP Response Team, Rabiu Bello Gandi, the groups described Ayman’s murder as a grave violation of a child’s fundamental rights and a wake-up call to intensify child protection measures nationwide.
“This is a horrific and senseless act that highlights the worsening dangers children face in Nigeria,” the statement read. “We stand in solidarity with Ayman’s family and with every Nigerian parent who has suffered the unimaginable pain of losing a child to violence. No parent should ever have to bear such a loss.”
The coalition welcomed the reopening of the investigation by the Sokoto State Police Command but emphasized the need for transparency, urgency, and accountability.
They outlined a series of demands, including:
A thorough and unbiased investigation into Ayman’s abduction and murder; Immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved; Regular and transparent updates from law enforcement agencies; Strengthening of child protection policies and enforcement in schools, religious institutions, and communities
The coalition stressed that the protection of children must be elevated to a national priority. It urged government agencies, security forces, and traditional leaders to collaborate in implementing long-term child safety mechanisms.
Ayman’s father, Dr. Abubakar Hamzat, also spoke at the event, expressing deep grief over the loss of his son. While acknowledging that nothing could bring Ayman back, he called for full accountability and justice.
He recounted the circumstances surrounding his son’s disappearance: Ayman went missing on March 29, 2025—just a day before the Eid celebration—after attending prayers at a local mosque. A neighbor’s child reported seeing Ayman playing nearby before being taken away in a vehicle by unknown men.
Nearly seven weeks later, on May 15, Ayman’s body was discovered. The same eyewitness reportedly identified the vehicle believed to have been used in the abduction.
Dr. Hamzat appealed to civil society organisations and the media to keep the spotlight on the case and ensure that justice is served, not just for his son, but for all Nigerian children facing similar threats.
The Sokoto State Police Command has confirmed that several suspects are currently in custody, and an autopsy report is expected to be submitted in the coming days. The coalition vowed to continue monitoring the case closely, declaring that justice for Ayman would be justice for every Nigerian child.
