Thuggery: YOSPIS Calls for State of Emergency on Youth Violence in Kano

By Salisu Hamisu Ali

The Youth Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) has called on the Kano State Government to declare a state of emergency on youth violence following the alarming rise in phone snatching, thuggery, and violent crimes involving young people across the state.

At a press conference held on Thursday, the organization’s Executive Director, Zainab Nasir Ahmad, said the crisis of youth-driven street crimes requires urgent, multi-stakeholder intervention to prevent further escalation.

“Phone snatching, thuggery, and violent behavior are not just criminal justice issues – they are social emergencies,” Ahmad stated. “We are seeing children as young as 15 involved in these crimes. This demands a wartime response that is urgent and uncompromising.”

YOSPIS highlighted key factors driving the surge in youth violence, including drug abuse, unemployment, lack of parental guidance, peer pressure, and a decline in moral values.

The organization also cited heightened political tensions in the state as exacerbating the problem.

The group urged the Kano State Government to:

Declare a state of emergency on youth violence.

Strengthen security agencies by providing vehicles, equipment, and logistics.

Expand the Kano State Peace and Youth Rehabilitation Committee to include NGOs working on youth and security issues.

Convene a roundtable with youth-led groups and civil society organizations.

Fulfill promises made to over 600 repentant youth during a 2023 engagement with the governor by opening vocational centers, sports hubs, mentorship programs, and drug rehabilitation facilities.

Empower community policing and local vigilantes to defend neighborhoods in collaboration with law enforcement.

Prosecute sponsors of violence, regardless of their status or influence.

YOSPIS also appealed to parents to take active responsibility for mentoring their children and having open conversations about drugs and peer pressure. Community leaders and religious institutions were urged to reinforce community values and collaborate with civil society groups to sensitize young people.

“Youth must know there is a future beyond crime and violence,” Ahmad said. “We urge them to seek help, engage with support systems, and embrace education and skill-building as pathways to a better life.”

The organization pledged to continue working with stakeholders to empower young people and redirect them toward a life of purpose and peace.

“The time for reaction is over. The time for proactive engagement is here. Together, we can say NO to phone snatching, NO to thuggery, and YES to a safer, empowered youth population,” Ahmad concluded.