The Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai has issued a July 31st ultimatum to parents, guardians and care givers to take young children off the streets.
In directive given through the state’s Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Mohammed Baba to commemorate the World Day Against Child Labour on Tuesday, the government restated its dedication to serving the people.
EduCeleb.com reports that the government had earlier in its inception employed street beggars as street sweepers to deter them from begging while carrying out other reforms in empowering others through skill acquisition.
The World Day Against Child Labour has been marked on every 12th June since 2002 based on the International Labour Organisation (ILO) global observance to focus attention on the extent of child labour and call people to action in efforts needed to eliminate it.
On the day each year, governments, business owners, and other stakeholders are engaged to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them.
Mrs Baba said in a series of tweets that the state government was committed to such efforts in its stride to ensure “a safe and healthy generation”.
“@contactkdsg is intent on focusing attention on these actions & efforts to ensure a safe and healthy generation.”
“@HafsatMohBaba &
@KDMWASD have gone a step further in taking actions.”
“The deadline for Parents, Guardians & Caregivers to take their wards & children off the streets is 31st July, 2018. KDSG will mop up the remainder afterwards.”
While the government did not state the punishment for whoever had his children on the streets after the deadline, pundits believe that it is a step in the right direction.
Government to prosecute 50 street urchins
In another development, the Kaduna State government is set to prosecute 50 street urchins popularly known as Yan Shara or Sarasuk soon. It said that they have been terrorising parts of Kaduna State for some time.
According to the spokesperson of Governor El-Rufai, Samuel Aruwan, the suspects who were arrested last weekend by security agents in different locations within the metropolis, are to be arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court at the conclusion of investigation by relevant agencies.
Their arrest followed last week’s urban hooliganism in parts of the capital.
“His Excellency has directed security agencies to deal decisively with the menace of urban hoodlums,” he said.
Mr Aruwan noted that El-Rufai had been briefed by security agents leading to this latest crackdown on the gangsters.
“Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai has received briefings from security agencies on the outrage by urban gangsters, notoriously known as Yan Shara or Sarasuka. He has also visited Abakpa community where he interacted with some members of the community and condemned the activities of the gangsters.”
In addition, “Security agencies have updated the governor on the arrest of over 50 suspects. The governor has ordered the police and the Ministry of Justice to ensure prompt investigation and diligent prosecution of whoever is indicted.”
“The governor also urged the police to ensure that the fleeing suspects do not escape justice, declaring that all government agencies must work collectively to end the menace.”
The governor’s mouthpiece further clarified the position of the government on the proliferation of vigilance groups in the state.
“The Kaduna State government has made it clear that only the Kaduna State Vigilance Service is empowered by law to regulate the activities of vigilantes.
“Any community that wishes to make contribution to security and intelligence gathering should forward the affected persons to the Kaduna State Vigilance Service and security agencies for thorough screening,” he added.
“This is to ensure they such persons have no criminal records or tendencies that could compromise the security and well-being of the citizenry.
“By this clarification, communities should liaise with the Kaduna State Vigilance Service to make arrangements for their enhanced security,” he concluded.
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