the Kano State Government says it has reunited 805 suspected beggars with their families in the state’s 44 local government areas. Kano State Hisbah Board Commander General Haruna Ibn-Sina confirmed this to reporters on Friday at Hisbah headquarters in Sharada, Kano.
He noted that the 805 beggars, 536 women and 279 men, were indigenous to Kano State.
He said they were among 931 suspected beggars evacuated by Hisbah Board men for allegedly violating the law banning street begging in the Kano metropolis.
Mr. Ibn-Sina said that those who were from neighboring states were assisted by the governments of their various states and handed over to their relatives while others received care from the board.
According to him, of the 931 evacuees, 320 are men while 611 are women.
He said that three of them tested positive for HIV/AIDS while some of the minor women were pregnant.
“Among the evacuees was an elderly woman who was found with a huge amount of money.
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“Most of the beggars were evacuated on the main roads, under the bridge markets, train stations and other public places within the metropolis.
“They were provided with their three full daily meals.
“Beggars who nevertheless return to the streets begging after being evicted will be prosecuted; since the state government prohibits begging,” he said.
Ibn-Sina alleged that some of the beggars were among those alleged to be stealing phones and terrorizing people.
He said there was a high case of underage children involved in social vices and using drugs, adding that so far, the board had arrested some 132 of these alleged miscreants at various recreational centers in Kano.
“The state government has shown its willingness to reduce social vices and street begging,” he said.
He urged parents and guardians to supplement the government’s efforts by providing their children and wards with a proper moral education. (YAYA)