Kano State Takes Notable Action Amid “Uncontrolled Influx” of Immigrants
- The Kano State government is proposing a new law to severely restrict the influx of internal immigrants, citing strains on security, the economy, and social services
- Officials argue past efforts to house and care for migrants have failed, as many return to street begging
- The plan has however drawn mixed reactions, with some community leaders supporting it for security reasons, while aid workers warn it risks criminalizing poverty and urge a focus on addressing the root causes of migration
The Kano state Government has announced plans to establish a new law aimed at banning or significantly reducing the influx of immigrants entering the state without a "due process.”
This is a move officials say is necessary to address growing security, economic, and social concerns.
Source: Original
The state's Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheik Ahmad Tijjani Auwal, disclosed the plan following a radio program at Rahma Radio in Kano.
He expressed the government's deep worry over the increasing number of immigrants, including the elderly and young children, roaming the streets.
“The biggest concern is even if you send them back to their respective states, they will still find a way to come back to Kano,” Commissioner Auwal stated.
He detailed past efforts where the state government accommodated individuals in designated camps and provided care, but noted they often ran away to return to begging or other activities that, in his words, "contradict the teaching of Islam and culture of Kano."
The proposed law, which will be presented to the Kano state House of Assembly, is intended to create a legal framework to guide and control immigration into the state.
Auwal cited a recent report that highlighted women and children sleeping under bridges and in public buildings, creating vulnerabilities that threaten their safety and the security of the state.
“We have heard how some people take advantage of these women’s and kids' vulnerability and condition to engage them in inappropriate behaviors, which we cannot tolerate,” the commissioner explained.
Community Members Voice Mixed Reactions
The announcement has sparked a reactions among community members in Kano.
Source: Twitter
Alhaji Sani Muhammad, a traditional ruler Wudil, voiced strong support for the initiative.
“We are a hospitable people, but our generosity is being stretched to its limit. The unchecked arrival of people without any means of sustenance puts a strain on our community's resources and even compromises the safety of our own families.”
“A law is definitely needed to bring order. This is not about being unwelcoming as many would misinterpret rather it is about being responsible for the security and safety of kano,” he added.
However, the proposed law has also been met with caution. Comrade Lawan Bukar, who work with a charity organizations in Northern Nigeria urged the government to balance security with compassion.
"While the government's concerns about security and exploitation are very valid, we must be careful not to criminalize poverty and desperation," he said.
“Many of these people are fleeing worse conditions elsewhere. The solution cannot be solely about building walls, but also about creating systems of care and addressing the root causes that force them onto the streets of Kano in the first place,” he added.
Meanwhile, the commissioner however stressed that the primary purpose of the law is to protect Kano and its citizens from the implications of uncontrolled immigration, which he said affects environmental sanitation and economic development.
Man arrested in Kano for lewd act
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that a 24-year-old man, Shamsu Yakubu, was arrested by Kano Hisbah after a viral video showed him engaging in an obscene act with a she-goat.
The suspect claimed the act was staged to gain social media attention, though he denied actual contact with the animal.
Hisbah officials condemned the act and ordered mental and drug evaluations, warning against eroding Islamic and moral values for online fame.
Source: Legit.ng
Ibrahim Sofiyullaha (Editorial Assistant) Ibrahim Sofiyullaha is a graduate of First Technical University, Ibadan. He was the founder and pioneer Editor-in-Chief of a fast-rising campus journalism outfit at his university. Ibrahim is a coauthor of the book Julie, or Sylvia, written in collaboration with two prominent Western authors. He was ranked as the 9th best young writer in Africa by the International Sports Press Association. Ibrahim has contributed insightful articles for major platforms, including Sportskeeda in the UK and Motherly in the United States. Email: ibrahim.sofiyullaha@corp.legit.ng
Usman Bello Balarabe (Kano Correspondent) Kano's regional correspondent, Usman Bello Balarabe is a journalist, media strategist, and university lecturer in the state. He worked as an investigative journalist with Daily Trust Newspaper Nigeria. His career is passionately geared towards stimulating social justice, exposing corruption, ensuring good governance and accountability. In his over 7 years of journalism practice, he has authored investigations and numerous special and beat reports at the intersection of environment, health, education, agriculture, public spending, security, and politics.
