Over two million homeless children, commonly referred to as street urchins, are sleeping in various locations across the ancient city of Kano, according to the Global Improvement of Less Privileged Persons Initiative (GIOPPINI).
The non-governmental organisation, which conducted thorough research and a scientific survey, expressed deep concern over the unsafe conditions in which these children live and called for urgent government intervention.
“These street urchins sleep in unsafe and unhygienic environments in Kano and are exposed to various health and safety hazards every day,” GIOPPINI’s Executive Director, Mohammed Ali Mashi, told journalists in an interview.
According to him, the survey identified children dwelling in numerous areas across Kano metropolis, including Race Course, Central Hotel and Railway Station areas, Nassarawa Hospital Road, Dangi Bridge, Zoo Road, Ado Bayero Bridge (popularly known as Gadar Lado), New Road in Sabon Gari, Mariri, and Kofar Ruwa Parks.
“Many of these street children migrated from neighbouring states, but some are from rural communities in Kano, pushed out by poverty. They are in Kano under the pretext of seeking Quranic education, but they end up sleeping in unsafe environments,” he said.
He further noted that, due to hunger and lack of proper care, the children often abandon their schools to search for food and survival. Over time, they become disconnected from education entirely and are drawn into street life, which exposes them to crime, exploitation, and eventual conflict with the law.
Unchecked activities of these street children could lead to widespread insecurity and social unrest, he warned.
“This situation is very alarming, and we are calling on government agencies, community leaders, religious institutions, and civil society to join hands in tackling the escalating crisis,” he stressed. “The issue is not only a humanitarian concern but also a threat to peace and stability in the state.”
He urged stakeholders to prioritise the rehabilitation and reintegration of these children through structured programmes providing shelter, food, healthcare, and education.
“While the pursuit of Quranic knowledge is noble, it must be balanced with proper welfare and supervision to prevent children from drifting into destitution,” he noted.
Mashi concluded by calling for a coordinated government policy framework to regulate the movement of children across states, ensure accountability among school proprietors, and provide sustainable opportunities for vulnerable families.
“Without such measures, the cycle of poverty, neglect, and crime will continue to expand, leaving Kano and its people in a precarious situation,” he stated.