The Kano State Government has established a Youth Council comprising individuals with links to youth gangs as part of renewed efforts to address the persistent challenge of thuggery, gang violence and conflicts among youths across the state.
The initiative was launched by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, as part of measures to engage affected youths, understand the underlying causes of gang-related violence and provide a platform for dialogue, reconciliation and mutual understanding.
The newly established council is expected to serve as a channel through which the government can directly engage with youths involved in or affected by gang activities, with a view to resolving disputes and encouraging them to embrace peace and responsible citizenship.
Malam Abdullahi has been appointed to lead the council and coordinate its activities alongside other appointed leaders to ensure that its objectives are achieved.
The state government has also constituted various committees to address different aspects of the challenge. The committees are expected to identify the root causes of youth gang violence and develop sustainable strategies capable of tackling the problem from its source.
Among other responsibilities, the committees will focus on resolving conflicts between youth groups, sensitising young people on the dangers and consequences of thuggery, and promoting peaceful coexistence among youths in different communities.
The committees will also collaborate with security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders to strengthen efforts aimed at preventing violence and maintaining peace across the state.
Speaking on the initiative, Commissioner Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya said the Kano State Government remained firmly committed to protecting lives and property and ensuring sustainable peace and security across the state.
He noted that the government was particularly concerned about the loss of lives, destruction of property and disruption of social and economic activities caused by gang-related violence in some parts of Kano.
According to him, the government would work closely with the newly established Youth Council and the various committees to develop practical and effective strategies for ending youth gang violence and creating a safer environment for residents.
Comrade Waiya further urged youths across the state to reject thuggery, violence and all forms of criminal activities capable of disrupting peace and security.
He encouraged young people to embrace dialogue, reconciliation, education, skills acquisition and other productive activities that could contribute positively to their communities and the development of Kano State.
The Commissioner stressed that government efforts alone would not be sufficient to completely address the challenge, noting that cooperation among the government, youths, parents, traditional and religious leaders, security agencies and the wider community remained essential.
He expressed optimism that the new council and committees would provide a sustainable framework for engaging youths, resolving disputes and preventing further escalation of gang-related violence across Kano State.
