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Commissioner pledges to rid Kano of street begging, 500 beggars arrested
By Modupe Shodeinde
Kano State’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Dr Zahra’u Muhammad-Umar, has disclosed her commitment towards ensuring the state is rid of street begging.
The Commissioner disclosed this during the repatriation of 500 beggars arrested in the state.
The beggars were arrested for violating the law that bans street begging in the state.
The Commissioner stated that 70 percent of the arrested beggars are women and children, while 30 percent are men.
She said the beggars were arrested to safeguard their future and rid the state and country of all forms of crimes.
“Those arrested included women, children, men and Almajiris. The children don’t go to school and have no good food to eat,” she said.
“We noticed that bad behaviour is mostly found within the beggars.
“We will continue to arrest them to ensure sanity and rid the streets of all forms of crimes,” she added.
Muhammad-Umar explainedthat a 70-year-old woman was also arrested with cigarette and matches found in her possession.
“This kind of woman could spoil our children’s behaviour and the society at large.
“Street begging affects the lives of our children, especially when you employ Almajiris to work in your house,” she stated.
She also appraised Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje for his support towards empowering the beggars.
According to her, the names, local governments and phone numbers of the beggars have been taken down, and they have been repatriated back to their various homes and states, where they will be empowered.
She added that an agreement letter would be written by the Ward head of those repatriated to neighbouring state, and anyone arrested for the second time would be charged to court.
The Commissioner spoke on the ministry plans to begin evacuation of street from hawkers, especially young girls hawking on the streets.
“As long as I remain the commissioner, I will make sure Kano is free from street begging,” she said.
Muhammad-Umar said ministry would also go to Islamic schools and repatriate the Almajiris to their homes and neighbouring states, especially those who go out to beg for food.
