By Amina Khalid
The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) has expressed alarm over the rising cases of phone snatching, street violence, and youth thuggery in Kano State, urging the government to declare a state of emergency on the matter.
Briefing the press in Kano, the Executive Director of YOSPIS, Zainab Nasir Ahmad, described the situation as a “social emergency” requiring urgent intervention from the government, families, and communities.
“We are gathered here today to address a matter of growing concern in our communities – the alarming rise in phone snatching, thuggery, and violent youth behavior on our streets,” Zainab said. “This crisis is not just a criminal justice issue — it is a social emergency that demands a multi-stakeholder response.”
She pointed out that children as young as 15 were increasingly being drawn into street crimes, influenced by drug abuse, peer pressure, gang culture, unemployment, and lack of parental guidance.
According to her, these findings emerged from YOSPIS’s community engagements, street-level observations, and youth discussions across the state.
Zainab also called on the government to declare a state of emergency, create job and empowerment opportunities, and hold accountable those who sponsor thuggery.
“This is a war, and we need a wartime response — urgent, bold, and uncompromising,” she said. “Let this issue take center stage in government priorities.”
She reminded Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of his 2023 pledge to over 600 repentant youth and urged the government to act.
“Respectfully, we call on the Executive Governor to fulfill this promise as we approach the two-year anniversary,” she said, urging the establishment of job schemes, training centers, and youth-focused programs across local governments.
YOSPIS also appealed to parents, religious leaders, and traditional institutions to play an active role in reversing the trend. Parents were asked to monitor and guide their children, while religious leaders were encouraged to promote values and support youth initiatives.
To the youth, Zainab had this message, “Know that you are not alone — there is a future beyond crime, drugs, and violence. Understand that violence steals your future, but education and skill-building open doors to opportunity.”
She ended by emphasizing the organization’s readiness to engage with all parties. “YOSPIS remains committed to ensuring that our youth are protected, empowered, and redirected toward a life of purpose and peace. The time for reaction is over. The time for decisive engagement is here.”
