By Saeed Ahmad Bappah
In a continued effort to curb social vices and promote moral uprightness, the Gombe State Government, through the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, has arrested ten teenage girls suspected of involvement in brothel activities.
The arrests were made during a raid on a suspected brothel in London Mai Dorawa, Gombe Metropolis. The girls were found residing with a woman named Jennifer from Tumfure, who was allegedly renting out her rooms for prostitution.
During interviews with journalists, all the suspects confirmed their involvement in these illicit activities. Alarmingly, two of the girls, both thirteen years old, were found to be pregnant.
Four of the teenage girls were arrested in Tumfure while attending an overnight birthday party held in an unsecured environment surrounded by suspected thugs. These girls admitted to attending the party without their parents’ knowledge.
All apprehended individuals, including Jennifer, were handed over to the Gala Houses Committee for further action.
Receiving the suspects, the Chairman of Gala Houses Committee, represented by the Secretary, Barrister Muhammad Isa Usman, warned them about the legal and moral implications of their actions.
He informed them of the constitutional punishments for their crimes and announced that the teenage girls would be referred to the Ministry of Women Affairs for proper guidance and counseling, as directed by His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.
The male suspects were detained, as they were considered adults, with most of them aged between 25 and 35 years.
Yusuf Musa Danbayo, SSA to the Governor on Security who is also a member of the Gala Houses Committee advised the girls to repent and desist from such activities.
Malam Muhammad lawan Danladi, representing Jibwis Shogon Goro, addressed the suspects with verses from the Holy Quran, emphasizing the importance of moral and ethical values.
He also expressed his gratitude to His Excellency Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for establishing this vital committee and providing the necessary support to ensure the proper upbringing of Gombe’s children in accordance with religious and cultural values.
Other members of the committee present included Danjuma Ibrahim from civil society, Deacon Yusuf Haske from CAN Youth, and Deborah Luka from the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gombe State.
During the investigation, parents of the suspects were invited to underscore the importance of parental guidance and discipline in preventing such occurrences. While two fathers were unable to attend the meeting, the mothers were present at the office.