Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the execution of Abdulmalik Tanko, the man sentenced to death for the kidnapping and murder of five-year-old Hanifa Abubakar.
Speaking at the 2024 International Children’s Day Celebration in Kano, Governor Yusuf emphasized the importance of upholding the court’s decision: “The sentence prescribed by the court must be carried out.”
Tanko, along with his accomplice Hashimu Ishyaku, received the death penalty in April 2024 after being found guilty of Hanifa’s murder.
Governor Yusuf went on to express his belief that carrying out the sentence would serve as a deterrent to future crimes against children. He also announced the state’s potential exploration of a “state of emergency on education.” This initiative aims to implement a comprehensive approach towards improving the quality of education for Kano children.
“When we say state of emergency,” Yusuf explained, “we mean a holistic approach such as free education, renovation of dilapidated schools and infrastructure, among others.”
Furthermore, the governor promised the implementation of free school meals and uniforms for primary school students in grades one to three in the near future.
Hajiya Aisha Lawan, Kano’s Commissioner for Women, Children and Disabled, commended the governor’s existing educational initiatives, including free primary and secondary education and reduced tuition fees for tertiary students.
Hauwa Ibrahim, the Speaker of the Kano State Children’s Parliament, urged the state government to prioritize the implementation of the Child Rights Act to ensure the well-being of all children in Kano.
I just hope they will be sincere with was they have been saying
Its going to be unfair if this child isn’t getting any justice at all… Its going to be a crime
This child must get justice oooo
They must no go un punished
I hope this goes well as said
That a good decision they have made to prioritize the child right in the system