The government will begin arresting children who are found roaming the streets of Kano State.
The government of Kano State, located in northwestern Nigeria, has established a committee dedicated to removing children from the streets of the city. Authorities emphasize that taking action is crucial, as allowing small children to wander the streets poses a significant threat to the community’s security and development.
The committee will also advise the government on how to return these children to their hometowns. Chaired by Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the commander of the Hisba, the committee will follow up with and support the children who are wandering the streets and sleeping in markets and under bridges throughout parts of Kano city. The goal is to provide them with a better future and benefit the community as a whole.
“The children we will first focus on are those who appear to have been abandoned and are aimlessly wandering the streets with no future,” said Daurawa. “Many of them are unknown in terms of their origins. Some are from Kano, while others come from different states or even from outside the country.”
He stated, “Many of these children have faced challenging circumstances, and many are sleeping under bridges, in garages, and outside tea shops. The honorable governor hopes that both local and international individuals will recognize these children and take appropriate actions to support them.”
“We aim to provide them with education and reintegrate them into the community so that they become productive members rather than a threat,” stated Malam Aminu Daurawa.
The committee will comprise several sub-committees responsible for assessing the children’s health and gathering other pertinent information. Sheikh Daurawa mentioned that the start date for this initiative will not be disclosed to prevent those wishing to flee from escaping.
“A pilgrim camp near the airport will serve as a temporary shelter where we will keep the children for two weeks to assess their health and determine their origins,” he added. “This initiative will be conducted through four committees that will complete their work within 14 days, after which the governor will announce the next steps.”
However, representatives from organizations advocating for children’s rights believe the government must consider several critical factors.
Barista Badiha Abdullahi Muaz, a lawyer and leader of the Rayuwa Development Association (RADA), a campaign group focused on protecting the rights of young children and girls, asserts that simply returning the children to their towns is not a viable solution.
“I do not suggest that they should simply be sent back home. They must be registered, and the government should support them rather than claim full responsibility, as this is an ongoing issue,” Barista Badiha stated. She emphasized the need to create arrangements within neighborhoods so that residents can monitor those who come and go.
Reports indicate that thousands of young children, predominantly boys, are lying in the dirt on the streets of Kano State. Many are said to have migrated to the city from various regions in search of money or education but end up wandering without any clear direction.
