Borno State governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, has ordered the immediate arrest and prosecution of one Bukar Modu, who was seen allegedly molesting a minor, Bashir Gaji, in a viral video that has sparked outrage on social media.

Security operatives arrested Modu on Saturday night in Umarari, Maiduguri, following the governor’s directive.

Governor Zulum met with the victim, little Bashir Gaji, on Sunday at the Government House in Maiduguri.

During the meeting, the governor condemned the incident in strong terms, saying, “This heinous act is an affront on our values and a betrayal of our duty to protect our children, students and minors who are under our guardianship,” Zulum said.

“We cannot tolerate such actions perpetually repeating itself. I am directing the relevant authorities to move swiftly and ensure that this individual faces the full extent of the law. Our children deserve a safe environment to grow and become meaningful members of society.”

He also directed the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to develop strategies for enhanced community sensitisation.

The aim is to educate families, traditional teachers, and guardians on proper, non-abusive ways of disciplining children.

As part of efforts to support the victim, Governor Zulum announced that the government would provide a fully furnished house for Gaji’s family and also award the child a scholarship to cover his education.

According to reports, the boy and his family currently reside in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Monguno Local Government Area after his father was killed by Boko Haram insurgents.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Akanbi, has raised alarm over a looming interstate conflict between Osun and Oyo States stemming from a long-standing land dispute.

In a statement issued on Sunday night, the monarch called on Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, to urgently harmonize stakeholder interests to prevent a potential clash.

Oba Akanbi pointed to rising tensions between residents of the Oke Oba axis of Iwoland (Osun State) and the Lagelu area of Ibadan (Oyo State), describing the situation as a brewing territorial crisis.

He noted that the dispute has been under the purview of the National Boundary Commission for years, with a comprehensive report already prepared and awaiting public presentation, pending facilitation by both state governors.

The Oluwo accused individuals from the Lagelu area of illegal land grabbing, claiming they have been forcefully taking over land and attacking villagers in several Iwoland communities, including Ogunajo, Eleye, Molamu, Paku, Ejemu Oja, Oloya, Arikese, Eleweran, Olofa Ogundiran, and Molafe.

He urged the two governors to consult the clearly defined boundary map established in 1991 when Osun State was carved out of the old Oyo State.

“As a peace-loving Royal Father,” Oba Akanbi stated, “I appeal to the Governors of Osun and Oyo States, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke and Engr. Seyi Makinde respectively, to harmonize their interests in resolving the long-standing boundary dispute between the people of Oke Oba Papa Axis of Iwoland and the Lagelu area of Ibadan.”

“Just yesterday, these land grabbers from Lagelu mobilized again for an onslaught against the people of Oke Oba villages in Iwoland. They have committed arson by destroying both public and private properties. They have sacked teachers and students from classrooms. I feared further silence may degenerate into a larger event if not timely curtailed.

“The palaces of some Baales were completely destroyed. Oloola Molamu Oyin was razed last week. Osun has District Council Primary school and maternity there. The people of these villages have Osun State polling units during elections. They have removed the roof of all these government facilities. They removed the roof, loot and set ablaze the palace. They took Over people’s farms, harvested their goods and rubbed them at gunpoint. They have their thugs stationed at these villages till date with guns and other deadly weapons.”

United Nations (UN) Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Emir of Kano, Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II and Chief Operation Officer (COO), Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF), Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, will today join other global speakers at the 11th year programme of the Chibok Girls abduction, with photo exhibition and commemoration in London, the United Kingdom.

The event with the theme: “A Decade On: Chibok Photo Exhibition and Commemoration”, will hold at SOAS, University of London, in the UK.

Dr. Muhammed-Oyebode, in a statement yesterday, said she would lead global panellists in a discussion titled: “The Stolen Daughters of Chibok: Resilience, Justice and Global Lessons”.

It will also feature photo exhibition, bringing together global leaders, scholars and advocates to reflect on the enduring tragedy and its impact on education, gender and conflict recovery.

Muhammed-Oyebode, whose advocacy has been instrumental in keeping the Chibok narrative alive, will open the session with remarks contextualising the ongoing plight of the girls and the communities affected by insurgency in Nigeria.

She said: “This isn’t just history – this is a continuing horror. We gather not only to honour the stolen daughters of Chibok, but also to hold the world accountable for allowing impunity to thrive, while generations of girls are silenced by violence.

“The programme will include contributions from UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, Bulama Bukarti, Osai Ojigho and Dr. Elizabeth Pearson, with an  address from Emir Muhammadu Sanusi II, who serves as the honorary patron of the accompanying photo exhibition.’’