Rising cases of phone theft in Kano — who is to blame?

It is a well-known fact that cities all over the globe experience one kind of criminality or the other, this may not be unconnected with the cosmopolitan nature of those urban cities. Kano remains the centre of commerce, with its population ever on the increase due to the viability of the environment and business activities […]

It is a well-known fact that cities all over the globe experience one kind of criminality or the other, this may not be unconnected with the cosmopolitan nature of those urban cities.

Kano remains the centre of commerce, with its population ever on the increase due to the viability of the environment and business activities going on.

Kano right now is one of the most peaceful states or cities in the North  West.

But that has not made the city free of other criminal activities going on daily in which many people are losing their lives while others  sustain injuries from attacks by hoodlums within the city.

The craze or penchant to own or hold expensive cell phones among the youth is increasing with many competing to own the most expensive phone.

The city, in the last one year, has been experiencing a  surge in insecurity within its neighbourhoods  as groups of youth carrying knives and in some cases locally made guns are harassing, injuring and even killing many just in their attempt to snatch phones or women’s bags.

Right now in the city, you can’t be making a phone call as you walk or even chat or hold your phone as these youths can easily attack you. In most cases, even if one gives them the phone, they still use specially-made knives to attack their victims before they run away.

This issue is getting serious as it is a daily occurrence in many places within the city.

It is indeed a trying moment for the people in Kano, but who is to blame?

The young people perpetrating this act are within the neighbourhoods and one wonders  why the elders of the community are not calling them to order.

Secondly, why is the police not doing enough to arrest these criminals?

And what is the administration of Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje doing over the situation  since he is the chief security officer of the state, and part of his major responsibility is to protect the lives and properties of Kano people?

As the acts of banditory  persist, I will like to remind the people that security is everybody’s business hence the need to help the security forces in ensuring communities are safer.

And for the criminals I reiterate the Hausa saying “Dare dubu na Barawo, Dare daya na mai kaya.” a thousand nights for  the thief one for the owner of the property.

 

Alhassan A. Bala can be reached via [email protected]