Fadan Yan Daba a Kano: A Growing Menace Demanding Urgent Action

By Adamu Aminu.

Kano, renowned for its vibrant commerce and rich cultural heritage, is now battling a dual menace threatening its social fabric: the rise of thuggery, known as Fadan Yan Daba, and the rampant scourge of phone snatching, known as ‘ Kwacen Waya’

These intertwined crises have left a trail of grief and loss, sending countless residents to untimely graves and leaving others in fear for their safety.

Recent trends reveal a catastrophic surge in these crimes. Perpetrators operate with shocking brazenness, often in crowded markets and busy streets, targeting unsuspecting victims.

The scale of violence has escalated, with many attacked or killed for resisting, turning once-bustling neighborhoods into zones of perpetual anxiety. Yet, the response from authorities remains tepid, and the menace continues unabated.

Government efforts to tackle this growing threat have been marred by political undertones and apparent impunity. While there is no shortage of promises, the implementation of meaningful solutions is conspicuously absent. Security agencies seem under-resourced, while the political class appears more concerned with optics than outcomes.

This dangerous mix of inaction and politicization has left residents disillusioned.

Addressing this crisis requires a united front. The government must prioritize equipping security agencies and enforcing stricter laws to deter perpetrators. Community leaders, religious figures, and civil society organizations need to join forces to raise awareness, advocate for peace, and steer vulnerable youths away from criminal paths.

Rehabilitation programs and economic opportunities can offer alternatives to crime.

Kano’s heritage and future depend on decisive action. The thuggery and phone-snatching epidemic must not define the city’s narrative.

The time for empty promises is over—residents demand safety, and they deserve it now.

Adamu Aminu writes from Kano.