The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, has voiced grave concerns over the lack of parental involvement in the lives of street children after a recent rescue operation uncovered the distressing extent of the issue.
Hisbah officers rescued 230 children from the streets of Kano metropolis, many of whom were under the age of 15.
“These children were born and raised in public spaces such as railway stations, under flyovers, in markets, and in motor parks,” Daurawa revealed in a video statement.
The operation, conducted by Hisbah, targeted hotspots like railway lines, under bridges, and motor parks, often in the early hours when children would typically be at home.
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Despite the significant number of children rescued, Daurawa admitted that the operation could only accommodate the board’s limited resources.
“We only managed to rescue 230 children because that is the capacity of the facility we have to house them,” he explained. Reports suggest that over 5,000 children may still be living in similar conditions across Kano.
The heartbreaking reality of the situation was underscored by the revelation that four children succumbed to harsh weather conditions and illnesses before help could reach them.
Others were found in unconventional shelters, such as football viewing centers where they paid to watch games and sleep.
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Daurawa noted that Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has taken swift action to ensure the rescued children are provided with care and support.
However, the Commander-General emphasized that addressing this crisis requires a collaborative approach involving parents, community leaders, and stakeholders across the state.
Reacting to the development, Bashir Ahmad, a former presidential aide and APC chieftain, expressed his dismay over the plight of the children.
“I watched Sheikh Aminu Daurawa’s video, and it was truly heartbreaking to hear about the children who were rescued but have not been claimed by any parents,” Ahmad stated.
He commended the Kano State Government for its proactive measures, urging citizens and organizations to join hands in tackling the root causes of the issue.
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“This effort is a hopeful step, and it should serve as an eye-opener for all of us to address this crisis,” he added.
The alarming number of street children in Kano highlights a pressing need for increased awareness and long-term solutions.
Community-based initiatives, improved parental guidance, and enhanced social welfare programs are among the recommended measures to mitigate the problem.