A silent but devastating child sexual abuse crisis is unfolding in Lawanti community, Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State, leaving victims traumatised, fearful and unable to speak out, while perpetrators evade justice amid stigma and a culture of silence. CHIMA AZUBUIKE reports
It was a quiet morning during the festive holiday in January 2026 when Mrs Halima Adamu sent her 10-year-old daughter, Amina, to fetch firewood, a routine chore in Lawanti, a community in Akko Local Government Area of Gombe State.
Amina knew the path to the nearby bush, and there was nothing to suggest that the task would be different from any other.
But five hours later, Mrs Adamu became worried as her daughter had still not returned.
Unable to bear the uncertainty any longer, the worried mother of four set out to look for Amina herself.
