The Kano State Multi-Agencies Task Force on Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking has uncovered an alleged system of exploiting vulnerable children on the streets, with two men jailed for supplying intoxicating substances to underage children.
This was contained in a statement by Lamara Garuba, member of the media publicity committee of the task force following the rescue of 43 children from the Race Course area of Kano
The Task Force indicated the some of the youngsters were engaged in street-based scavenging and exposed to harmful substances at the Race Course area.
According to the statement two men arrested in connection with the investigation, Kabiru Isa, popularly known as Mada, and Usman Hamisu, known as Mani, were each sentenced to nine years in prison without an option of fine.
They were convicted by Magistrate Muhammad Alhaji Sani of Magistrate Court No. 44, Gwammaja, Kano, for criminal conspiracy, membership of an unlawful society and administering intoxicating substances, contrary to Sections 97, 97A and 249 of the Penal Code.
The sentences, according to the Task Force, are to run consecutively, with each year counting as 12 calendar months, including weekends.
The Task Force said its investigation uncovered a pattern in which vulnerable children involved in scavenging were allegedly given rubber solution and other intoxicating substances instead of proper payment for their work.
It said the practice not only deprived the children of legitimate earnings but also exposed them to substance abuse and further vulnerability.
The Chairman of the Task Force, Muhuyi Magaji, said the convictions reinforced the agency’s determination to target people who profit from the vulnerability of children and young people.
But the agency said its response would not end with arrests and prosecutions.
It disclosed plans to take 10,000 vulnerable youths off the streets, particularly those exposed to substance abuse and other harmful influences.
Under the initiative, rescued children and youths will undergo medical and psychosocial assessments. Those requiring treatment will receive appropriate care, while others will be supported through rehabilitation, skills acquisition and reintegration into society.
Magaji said the objective was to ensure that vulnerable young people were not simply removed from the streets but given opportunities to recover, acquire useful skills and rebuild their lives.
He said the Task Force would continue to combine enforcement with prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration.
“Children and young people who have become vulnerable to substance abuse must not simply be viewed through the lens of enforcement,” Magaji said, stressing the need to protect them and provide opportunities for recovery.
He, however, warned that those who deliberately exploit vulnerable children for personal gain would face investigation and prosecution.
The Task Force called on parents, traditional institutions, community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen efforts to prevent children from falling into substance abuse and street exploitation.
It also stressed that combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking required cooperation between government agencies and communities.
The agency said the convictions should send a warning to those supplying intoxicants to vulnerable young people, while its rehabilitation programme would seek to address the conditions that keep children trapped on the streets.