From Njadvara Musa, Maiduguri
Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has ordered the immediate arrest of Bukar Modu, who allegedly brutalised a minor, Bashir Gaji, in a disturbing viral video recorded in the Umarari community of Maiduguri metropolis.

The governor issued the directive in Maiduguri when he received the young victim at the Government House. The video, which sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms, showed a grave violation of children’s rights, prompting swift calls for justice.

Condemning the act, Zulum stressed that the state government would not tolerate any form of abuse or exploitation of minors. “I directed a swift action in bringing the perpetrator to justice,” he said.

Describing the assault as an affront to societal values and a betrayal of the duty to protect children, Zulum added, “We cannot tolerate such actions perpetually repeating themselves. I’m directing the relevant authorities to move swiftly by ensuring that Bukar Modu faces the full wrath of the law.”

He stressed the need to provide children with a safe and supportive environment. “Our children deserve a safe environment to grow and learn to become meaningful members of society,” he said. The governor also directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to develop strategies to raise awareness within communities. The campaign, he said, would focus on educating families, traditional teachers, parents, and guardians on appropriate methods of instilling discipline in children and wards.

In a gesture of support, Zulum announced that the state government would provide a furnished house for Gaji and his family, along with a scholarship to fund his education.

Gaji and his family currently reside in an internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Monguno, having been displaced following the killing of his father by Boko Haram insurgents in the Monguno-Kukawa axis.