Kano philanthropist launches youth peace initiative to curb street violence

A philanthropist and community leader, Abdulkareem Abdussalam Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, has launched a non-partisan peace initiative aimed at uniting rival youth groups and curbing the rise in street violence in Kano. The project, which convened youth leaders from rival Daba factions and community vigilante groups, seeks to address recurring clashes, drug abuse, […]

A philanthropist and community leader, Abdulkareem Abdussalam Zaura, popularly known as AA Zaura, has launched a non-partisan peace initiative aimed at uniting rival youth groups and curbing the rise in street violence in Kano.

The project, which convened youth leaders from rival Daba factions and community vigilante groups, seeks to address recurring clashes, drug abuse, and insecurity linked to youth unrest in the state. The meeting, held in Kano, marked the beginning of what Zaura described as a “people-centered” campaign for peace, deliberately detached from political affiliations.

“This is beyond politics. What is happening in Kano today affects everyone, regardless of party lines,” Zaura said. “The goal is to restore the spirit of Kano—peaceful coexistence without violence, sectionalism, or political manipulation.”

The Daba subculture—associated with youth gangs, violence, and crime—has been a persistent challenge for security agencies and community leaders in Kano. The new initiative, Zaura said, aims to mobilise influential youth leaders who command large followings to promote peace and social reintegration.

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A 20-member committee has been established to coordinate outreach across the state. The committee will engage with local youth, identify causes of unrest, and develop solutions. The plan also includes vocational training, educational support for school dropouts, and financial empowerment for young traders.

“We’re not just talking; we’re implementing. Some leaders have already pledged to end violence in their areas. That shows commitment and influence,” he said.

The effort includes what organisers termed a “study solution”—a grassroots research project to analyze the root causes of youth violence and substance abuse. The findings will be submitted to relevant authorities to inform policy decisions.

Zaura emphasised the project’s alignment with national objectives, stating that it supports the federal government’s Renewed Hope Agenda on youth empowerment and security.

The urgency of the campaign was heightened by a recent Daba-related killing of a young man just days before his wedding, a case that has sparked widespread mourning and public outcry.

“This tragedy is one of many. If we don’t act now, our communities risk becoming uninhabitable,” Zaura warned.