TheCable

The Kano government says it has reunited over 800 beggars with their families across the 44 LGAs of the state.

Haruna Ibn-Sina, commander-general of the Kano Hisbah board, said this on Friday at a media briefing in Sharada, Kano.

He said the beggars, comprising 536 females and 279 males, were  indigenes of Kano state, adding that they were among the 931 persons evacuated by the Hisbah for allegedly violating the law banning street begging in Kano metropolis.

Abdullahi Ganduje, governor of Kano, had announced a ban on street begging in the state in February 2020.

According to NAN, Ibn-Sina warned those reunited with their families against returning to the streets.

He also said those from neighbouring states were handed over to their relatives with the support of the government of those states, while others are receiving care from the board.

He said the 931 evacuated persons included 320 males and 611 females, adding that three out of them tested positive for HIV/AIDS, while some of the underage females were pregnant.

“Among those evacuated was an old woman who was found with a huge amount of money. Most of the beggars were evacuated from major roads, under-bridge markets, railway stations and other public places within the metropolis,” he said.

“They were provided with their daily three-square meals.

“The beggars who, however, go back to the streets begging after being evacuated will be prosecuted, as the state government prohibits begging.”

Ibn-Sina, however, expressed concern over reports that some of the beggars were alleged to be involved in criminal activities such as “snatching  phones and terrorising people”.

He also said there were cases of underage persons involved in drug abuse, adding that 132 of such persons have been arrested at various recreational centres in Kano.

He, however, urged parents and guardians to support the efforts of the state government by ensuring proper upbringing of their children and wards.

“The state government has shown its readiness to curtail societal vices and street begging,” he added.