Kano to rehabilitate 10,000 street peddlers to curb drug abuse, other social crim
* Many came from neighbouring States — Task Force
By Garba Abdullahi Bagwai, From Kano
The Kano State Government moves to rehabilitate 10,000 street hawkers and peddlers roaming major roads in Kano metropolis many of whom came from neighbouring states.
The Kano State Special Committee on the Fight Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Drug Trafficking disclosed this as part of efforts to reduce anti-social behaviour in the State.
The committee said the influx of peddlers from neighbouring states had contributed to the rising number of youths involved in drug abuse, thuggery and other social vices, posing a threat to the stability of the state.
Chairman of the committee, Barrister Muhuyi Magaji Rimin Gado, disclosed this on Tuesday while speaking to journalists in Kano.
He said that within 40 days of its inauguration, the committee had recorded significant achievements, but also uncovered several societal problems, including child labour, youth involvement in thuggery, drug addiction and burglary.
“Within the 40 days of our inauguration, we have recorded tremendous achievements, but we have also come across a series of societal problems ranging from child labour to youths engaging in thuggery, drug addiction and burglary,” he said.
Rimin Gado also disclosed that the committee had discovered an increasing number of youths sleeping under bridges and in major markets across the metropolitan local government areas, describing the situation as a serious cause for concern.
He explained that the state government would not hesitate to evacuate peddlers and youths involved in drug abuse, street begging and thuggery for rehabilitation at designated reformatory centres across the state.
According to him, those undergoing rehabilitation would receive necessary medical attention and subsequently be empowered to enable them to become self-reliant and productive members of society.
The chairman said the Kano State Government was determined to evacuate about 10,000 peddlers and accommodate them in designated rehabilitation and reformatory centres.
He stressed that the government’s primary objective was not to prosecute those arrested, but to rehabilitate and reintegrate them into society.
Rimin Gado, however, urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities of their children and wards and desist from shielding those found involved in drug abuse, trafficking and other criminal activities.
“I am appealing to parents to stop backing or requesting favours whenever their children are prosecuted after being found guilty of drug abuse, trafficking or any action capable of disrupting peace in Kano,” he said.
He warned that the government would continue to arrest anyone whose activities posed a threat to public safety and social stability.
The chairman assured that the committee would continue to work tirelessly to rid Kano State of illicit drug abuse and trafficking within the shortest possible time.
“Our committee has enjoyed all the support from the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abba Kabir Yusuf, and we have promised him that we will justify the confidence he has reposed in the committee,” he said. ENDS
