A prominent Kano-based politician, Abdulsalam Abdulkarim, popularly known as A. A. Zaura, has called for a non-kinetic approach to address the growing scourge of drug abuse and political thuggery in the state, warning that the situation is fast becoming a “ticking time bomb.”
Zaura made the remarks during a strategic engagement with the Kano business community, convened to develop sustainable solutions to the rising social menace. The meeting focused on community-based initiatives and holistic interventions targeting the root causes of youth involvement in drugs and violence.
“These people were neglected,” Zaura said, referring to the youth involved in thuggery and substance abuse. “They are our brothers, our sons and daughters, and even parents. We need to talk to them, we need to listen to them.”
Zaura, who is also the founder of the A. A. Zaura Foundation, unveiled plans to launch a pilot initiative under the “Street to Street Project.” The project will include rehabilitation programs, vocational training, educational support, and business empowerment for affected individuals.
“They are ready today to bring peace to Kano. We are ready to work with them and support them in reclaiming their future,” he stated.
He raised concern over the escalation of violence, noting that street thugs, previously known to wield locally made weapons, have now begun using firearms.
“This is a serious time bomb. Please, we should not allow this to happen,” Zaura warned.
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He emphasized that security operations alone will not solve the problem and urged stakeholders to embrace non-violent, community-led interventions to tackle the crisis at its roots.
On his part, Ambassador Mukhtar Gashash, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Kano Business Community, linked the rising trend to the erosion of moral upbringing and societal pressure on young people to attain quick wealth and social status.
Gashash expressed the business community’s commitment to support the Foundation’s initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.
“This issue affects us all. It’s no longer just a government concern but a societal one,” he said.
As Kano continues to grapple with the social fallout of unemployment, poverty, and political manipulation of youth, stakeholders hope the collaborative model spearheaded by the Zaura Foundation can offer a blueprint for peacebuilding and social reintegration across the region.