The story of a 12 year old boy, identified as Zubair Abubakar in Gombe State had his hands amputated after the punishment meted on him by his teacher for allegedly stealing a phone led to the cessation of blood flow to his hands making them infected and gangrenous.
The boy who is said to be recuperating at the Federal Teaching Hospital , Gombe had his two hands amputated after the infection from the punishment of his hands been tied by his teacher Malam Sirajo Mohammed.
The Governor of Gombe State, Ibrahim Dankwambo has directed the Commissioner for Justice to ensure that the culprit whose action led to the amputation of young Zubairu Abubakar’s hands, is arrested and prosecuted.
The governor also promised to settle all the medical bills incurred in the treatment of the 12-year-old child. Dankwambo made the promise when he paid a visit to the victim at the FTH , Gombe, on Monday.
He advised the parents of the victim to be patient, and assured them that government would do everything possible to assist the boy.
“Government has taken over the medical bills of the victim . The governor is really concerned and feels that , for no reason, should the boy be allowed to suffer any further. I am calling on you to be patient. Already , it has happened ; the only thing to be done is to see how we will assist him to be in good health,” he said.
“The police are investigating the matter and whoever is found culpable will face the law,” he said.
In another statement, the governor said that he will be responsible for the boy’s education.
“I want to specially thank each and everyone of you who drew my attention to what happened to Young Zubairu.,” he said.
“I read all your reactions and opinions on this platform and I heed to so many of them.
I’m currently out of Gombe but I have instructed the commissioner for Justice and Women Affairs to pay Zubairu a visit at the hospital where he is currently receiving treatement.
I have directed the commissioner for Justice to ensure that the culprit of this dastardly act is arrested and prosecuted.
I have also instructed my team to ensure all his medical bills are well taken care of.
Henceforth, I will be responsible for his education.
No child anywhere in the North or elsewhere in Nigeria should be made to go through this kind of pain on account of primordial beliefs.
For kids like Zuberu to be able to aspire and as well acquire basic education in life, I personally converted my family house in Gombe to a school where the Almajiris will be given Quranic and conventional education simultaneously.
May Allah bring him quick healing. Amen.”
Meanwhile, father of the victim, Malam Yusha ’u Abubakar, expressed appreciation to the governor for the financial and moral support given to his family. He said that without the timely intervention of the state government, it would have been very difficult for the family to take care of all the medical bills .