The Abaji Area Council administration, under Executive Chairman Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi, has dismissed circulating claims that approximately 72 children are missing in the council, describing the figure as unsubstantiated by verified official information made available to the government.
The council’s position was contained in a press release issued by Abu Nigeria, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, following public controversy surrounding the reported disappearance of children in Abaji and the alleged assault on community advocate Abaji Kabir Abaji.
In the statement, the council urged members of the public and media organisations to exercise caution when publishing information concerning sensitive security matters, insisting that allegations should be supported by credible evidence before being presented as established facts.
The administration also objected to the involvement of the council chairman in the controversy, describing the dispute between Abaji Kabir Abaji and Muhammad Suleiman Agro as a personal disagreement that should not automatically be attributed to the chairman merely because Suleiman Agro is reportedly one of his supporters.
According to the statement, political support for Hon. Abubakar Umar Abdullahi does not establish that the chairman is responsible for every disagreement involving his supporters. It urged the public to distinguish between individual disputes and matters directly involving the council administration.
On the reported disappearance of 72 children, the council stated that the claim had not been substantiated by verified official information made available to it. It consequently advised residents against circulating the figure as an established fact without credible evidence from the appropriate security agencies.
The administration reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across Abaji Area Council’s ten wards, stating that security remains a major priority under the AUA-led administration.
The statement acknowledged that communities including Sabon Tasha, Naharati, Kekeshi and surrounding settlements, particularly areas close to Abaji’s boundaries, had experienced security concerns in the past. It maintained that the government had continued working towards improving security and creating a safer environment for residents.
The council further stated that its commitment to security applies to all residents, irrespective of their community, political affiliation, religion or ethnic background.
While acknowledging the right of community advocates to raise concerns about insecurity, the administration insisted that reports of missing children, attacks and other criminal incidents should be presented responsibly and referred to the appropriate security agencies for investigation.
It also warned against the circulation of information that could cause public anxiety, damage reputations or undermine confidence in the area’s security arrangements.
The council challenged those responsible for the circulating publication to provide credible evidence supporting the claim that 72 children were missing, adding that the administration remained open to constructive criticism and genuine information capable of improving public safety.
The statement called on community leaders, traditional institutions, youth organisations and social media users to verify information before sharing it, particularly where children’s safety and public security are concerned.
However, the council’s response comes amid separate demands by human rights activists and community organisers for an investigation into the alleged assault on Abaji Kabir Abaji, who reportedly intended to organise a peaceful protest to draw attention to concerns over the reported disappearance of children.
Human rights activist and community organiser Manasseh B.P. has demanded an investigation into the alleged attack and called for the arrest of those implicated, particularly Suleiman Agro, whom Abaji Kabir Abaji identified as the alleged ringleader of the group said to have attacked him.
Manasseh has also questioned the circumstances surrounding the recovery of Abaji Kabir Abaji’s mobile phone and called on the FCT Commissioner of Police to investigate the handling of the matter by the Abaji Police Command. He has indicated that legal action over alleged violations of fundamental human rights and any other offences supported by evidence is being considered.
The competing positions have placed two distinct issues at the centre of public attention: the need for credible evidence concerning the reported disappearance of children and the demand for accountability over the alleged assault on a community advocate.
While the council insists that the figure of 72 missing children has not been substantiated by official information available to it, questions surrounding the underlying reports require clear answers from the relevant authorities.
The police and other appropriate security agencies have a crucial role in establishing whether children have been reported missing, determining the facts surrounding the claims and investigating the alleged assault.
The council concluded by reiterating its commitment to a peaceful and secure Abaji, stating that the safety of children and all residents must not be compromised by misinformation, speculation or political controversy.