The Kano Patriotic Civil society Coalition Forum (KPCF) on behalf of 371 Member Organizations, wishes to commend the Kano State Government under the leadership of Abba Kabir Yusuf for the approval of over N600 million to commence the rehabilitation, Empowerment and reintegration of repentant Youth under the Safe Corridor Programme, an initiative of the Kano State Government, an initiative which is supervised directly by His Excellency, Alh. Abba Kabir Yusuf, and being coordinated by Hon. Commissioner, Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs.
This bold intervention demonstrates the government’s commitment towards addressing youth political violence, thuggery, daba fight, criminality, drug abuse, and social insecurity through non- kinetic approach to ensure sustainability in the efforts towards creating a violence free society
This unique initiative is a significant step towards restoring peace, preserving safety of lives and properties, and to give the affected youths an opportunity to become productive, useful and proud members of the society.
KPCF believes that rehabilitation, skills acquisition, psychosocial support, education, and economic empowerment remain critical components in addressing the root causes of thuggery and youth-related violence in Kano State. The Safe Corridor initiative therefore deserves the support of all patriotic citizens, community leaders, civil society organizations, religious leaders and institutions, as well as development partners.
However, KPCF strongly condemns the activities of some political actors and other saboteurs allegedly fueling the resurgence and reactivation of Daba and inter communal fight groups amongst different youth groups, for selfish political interests. The continuous recruitment and sponsorship of violent gangs for political intimidation and electoral manipulation, would surely undermine the noble objectives of the Safe Corridor programme and would as well continue to threaten the peace and stability of our dear State.
We call on security agencies to thoroughly investigate and prosecute individuals or groups found sponsoring, financing, or encouraging political violence and youth gangsterism in all its forms.
KPCF Policy Recommendations
In order to strengthen the sustainability and effectiveness of the Safe Corridor Programme, KPCF recommends the following policy directions:
Institutionalize the Safe Corridor programme through a legislative framework to ensure continuity beyond political administrations
Establish a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation mechanism to track the beneficiaries to ensure value for money.
Expand vocational training, entrepreneurship grants, and educational opportunities for the repentant youths to reduce relapse into criminal activities.
An Executive Order to strengthen community-based peacebuilding structures by involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups, and civil society organizations.
5. Introduce strict sanctions against politicians and individuals found using or sponsoring youths for Daba activities or political thuggery
6. Create a state-wide youth empowerment and employment strategy targeting vulnerable communities prone to violence and drug abuse.
KPCF reiterates its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, accountability, youth development, and good governance in Kano State.