The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa has expressed grave concerns over widespread parental neglect following the rescue of 230 street children in Kano.
In a viral video shared on social media, Daurawa revealed that Hisbah officers conducted a sweeping operation across key areas such as railway lines, under bridges, markets, and motor parks.
He said the operation, carried out between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m., uncovered a disturbing number of children roaming the streets when they should have been safe at home.
“These children have been raised in public spaces—railway stations, under flyovers, markets, and motor parks—exposed to harsh weather conditions without any adult supervision,” Daurawa said. “We found four children dead due to the extreme cold, and many others are suffering from severe illnesses.”
Despite the 230 children rescued in the operation, Daurawa highlighted that the issue is much more widespread. “In our initial sweep, we rescued 230, but we’ve tracked an estimated 5,000 children living under similar conditions across Kano,” he added.
The Hisbah Board, however, faces significant challenges in addressing the crisis “Currently, we’re housing the children at the Hajj camp, which can only accommodate 230. We appreciate the Kano State Governor for facilitating their care, but urgent, sustainable interventions are needed to tackle the root causes of child homelessness,” Daurawa emphasised.
The operation also exposed severe cases of neglect. Four children were confirmed dead, and others suffered from a range of health issues. “A medical team from the Commissioner for Health found one child with a bullet lodged in his leg, remnants of the #Endbadgovernance protest. Fifteen others were diagnosed with liver problems, and many were severely infected with scabies,” Daurawa revealed.
Daurawa also warned of the potential security threat posed by such extreme neglect. “This is a ticking time bomb,” he cautioned. “When children grow up without proper care, it diminishes their empathy and fosters resentment. If unscrupulous individuals target them, they could be groomed into committing grave atrocities.”
He stressed the need for parents to take responsibility, urging that without active intervention, the cycle of neglect and homelessness will persist, leaving thousands of children vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
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