Gourcy:Zondoma A total of 56 children were apprehended during a nighttime police patrol in Gourcy. The National Police of Gourcy conducted a night patrol operation during the evening of Friday, October 23 to Saturday, October 24, 2026, resulting in the arrest of 56 children, including minors, mainly in the vicinity of bars, bus stations, and National Route No. 2.

According to Burkina Information Agency, 15 girls and 41 boys, mostly primary and secondary school students, were apprehended after 1030 p.m. during this police patrol.

The operation was led by Chief Superintendent Sanome Arsene Poda, who stated that the initiative was in response to requests from several parents concerned about their children being out late at night in unsuitable places. The mission aims to remind parents of their responsibilities in monitoring their children and to prevent juvenile delinquency and burglaries often involving unsupervised minors.

The police department plans to summon the parents of the apprehended children and engage them in awareness activities in collaboration with social services before releasing the children to their care. Several parents, worried about their children's absence, visited the police station early Saturday morning, including Safieta Ouedraogo, who found her grandson among those apprehended. She expressed support for the police action, viewing it as an opportunity to educate children on the risks they face.

Social worker Jean-Paul Sankara Tegawende emphasized the legal restrictions against unaccompanied minors being out late at night, particularly in areas where alcohol is sold. He urged parents to prioritize their children's safety and protection.

The police commissioner concluded that this operation, the first of its kind in the area, will lay the groundwork for future awareness campaigns on this growing issue.