How AA Zaura is uniting Kano youth leaders to tackle ‘Daba’ violence, drug abuse

In a significant move aimed at restoring peace in Kano, various youth factions—including rival Daba groups and vigilante hunters—met under one roof in what organizers describe as a non-partisan, people-centered peace project being championed by Abdulkareem Abdussalam Zaura popularly known as AA Zaura. The convener of the meeting, Zaura said the initiative is part of […]

In a significant move aimed at restoring peace in Kano, various youth factions—including rival Daba groups and vigilante hunters—met under one roof in what organizers describe as a non-partisan, people-centered peace project being championed by Abdulkareem Abdussalam Zaura popularly known as AA Zaura.

The convener of the meeting, Zaura said the initiative is part of his personal blueprint to promote unity and curb rising violence among Kano’s youth, but deliberately stripped of political affiliation.

“This is a project I have long planned. It is part of my political blueprint, but I have taken it out of politics because what is happening in Kano today is beyond party lines,” he said shortly after the meeting.

‘Spirit of Kano must prevail’

The youth leader emphasized that the gathering was a reflection of the “spirit of Kano”—a commitment to peaceful coexistence free from the influence of divisive politics, sectionalism, and violent subcultures like Daba.

“Everyone here shares one thing in common—the desire to see a peaceful Kano. We want a Kano without Daba fights, without clashes between hunters and rival youth groups. Every single person here has thousands of followers behind him, and together, they hold the key to peace.”

The Daba subculture in Kano, often characterized by street violence, drug abuse, and petty crime, has been a persistent concern for both the government and community leaders.

According to him, the peace meeting brought together leaders of various Daba factions and community vigilantes, creating a forum for frank discussions and collective action.

A roadmap for reform

The meeting concluded with the formation of a committee of 20 representatives tasked with engaging youth leaders across every part of Kano. The committee, now operational, is expected to identify the root causes of youth violence, document solutions, and bring marginalized young people back into the fold of society.

“We have plans to train those who are willing to learn trades, send school dropouts back to school, and empower those who know how to trade but lack the capital. Our goal is to make them productive—not just for themselves, but for their families and the community.”

He said the committee is already receiving commitments from local leaders and influencers, some of whom have begun placing calls to their followers, urging them to shun violence.

“I can tell you that some of them have promised to end any further violence in their areas. They even said if all the leaders gathered here today were detained, there would be no more Daba fights in Kano. That shows you how much influence they have—and their willingness to use it positively.”

A study solution’ for lasting peace

As part of the initiative, the group will conduct what it calls a “study solution”—a grassroots research and data-gathering effort to understand the motivations behind youth violence and substance abuse. The findings will be compiled into a report and submitted to government authorities for action.

“This is a government-facing project. We believe in the renewed hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We are ready to support the government with data and practical steps to address these issues. It’s not just about talking; it’s about doing.”

He stressed that while the effort is community-led, it aligns with broader national goals of youth empowerment and security.

Victims and mourning families

The urgency of the initiative was underscored by a recent tragedy in Kano, where a young man set to marry was killed just two days before his wedding, allegedly in a Daba-related attack.

“His fiancée is mourning. His friends, his area—everyone is mourning. Is that the kind of future we want? We must not sit idly by and watch this continue. If we don’t act now, this community will become uninhabitable in a few years.”

Beyond politics

He made it clear that the peace initiative is not affiliated with any political party and has drawn support from people across party lines.

“This is not about APC or PDP. This is about Kano. Anyone who isn’t thinking about Kano is the problem, not the solution. We must set politics aside and focus on saving our youth and our communities.”

He added that the success of this meeting marks the beginning of sustained engagement with all youth groups across the state.

“With this unity, I believe there will be no more Daba in Kano. No more premature deaths, no more property snatching or street terror. We are building a peaceful future—one step at a time.”