Hisbah Decries Parental Neglect, Reports 4 Children Dead and 230 Rescued in Kano

The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, has raised alarm over the growing issue of parental neglect, following the rescue of 230 street children in the state. Daurawa expressed deep concerns about the increasing number of children abandoned in public spaces, particularly after a large-scale rescue operation conducted by Hisbah officers.

In a video that went viral on social media, Daurawa shared details of the operation, which targeted key areas such as railway lines, under bridges, markets, and motor parks. The operation, carried out between 1 a.m. and 3 p.m., uncovered alarming numbers of children left to fend for themselves on the streets, exposed to extreme weather and without adult supervision.

“These children are living in public spaces—railway stations, under flyovers, markets, and motor parks—where they are exposed to harsh weather conditions and dangers,” Daurawa said. “In the course of our operation, we found four children who had died due to the extreme cold. Many others are suffering from serious health conditions.”

While the Hisbah team was able to rescue 230 children during the sweep, Daurawa emphasized that this is only the tip of the iceberg. “In our initial efforts, we rescued 230 children, but we estimate that there are about 5,000 children living under similar conditions across Kano,” he said, highlighting the scale of the crisis.

The Hisbah Board is currently housing the rescued children at the Hajj camp, but the facility can only accommodate 230 children. Daurawa acknowledged the support of the Kano State Governor in facilitating the children’s care but stressed the need for urgent and long-term solutions to address the root causes of child homelessness in the state.

The operation also revealed alarming instances of abuse and neglect. Daurawa reported that one child had a bullet lodged in his leg, a remnant of the #EndBadGovernance protests, while fifteen others were diagnosed with liver problems. Many of the children also suffered from scabies and other health issues.

“This is a stark reality,” Daurawa said. “These children are not just facing physical neglect, but also emotional and psychological trauma. The absence of care and protection is setting them up for a future of vulnerability and potential exploitation.”

Daurawa also warned of the long-term consequences of such neglect, noting the potential security threat posed by children growing up in these conditions. “This is a ticking time bomb,” he said. “Children who are left to roam the streets without proper care or guidance lose their sense of empathy and are more likely to become susceptible to manipulation. If they fall into the hands of criminals or extremists, they could be groomed to commit heinous crimes.”

He called on parents to take greater responsibility for their children’s well-being, urging that the cycle of neglect and homelessness must be broken through collective action. Without proper intervention, he warned, thousands of children would remain vulnerable to abuse and exploitation.

The Hisbah Commander-General’s message serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for both governmental and community-led efforts to address child neglect, homelessness, and the protection of vulnerable minors in Kano and beyond.