The Kano Patriotic Civil Society Coalition Forum (KPCF) has commended the Kano State Government for approving over N600 million for the rehabilitation, empowerment, and reintegration of repentant youths under the Safe Corridor Program.
The Forum, which said it represents 371 member organizations, described the initiative as a bold step towards tackling youth political violence, thuggery, drug abuse, and insecurity through a non-kinetic approach.
In a statement issued on Sunday by its conveners, Hassan Ibrahim Gama, Mustapha Muhammed Chiroma, and Peter Hassan Tijjani, the group praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for directly supervising the program, which the Kano State Ministry of Information and Internal Affairs is coordinating.
According to the Forum, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to restoring peace and creating opportunities for affected youths to become productive members of society.
“KPCF believes that rehabilitation, skills acquisition, psychosocial support, education, and economic empowerment remain critical components in addressing the root causes of thuggery and youth-related violence in Kano State,” the statement said.
The Forum also called on patriotic citizens, religious leaders, traditional institutions, civil society groups, and development partners to support the Safe Corridor Program to ensure its success and sustainability.
However, the forum expressed concern over what it described as the activities of some political actors and saboteurs allegedly encouraging the resurgence of Daba groups and inter-communal clashes for political interests.
It warned that the continued recruitment and sponsorship of violent gangs for political intimidation and electoral manipulation could undermine the objectives of the program and threaten peace and stability in the state.
KPCF therefore urged security agencies to investigate and prosecute individuals or groups found sponsoring or encouraging political violence and youth gangsterism.
It further outlined several policy recommendations to strengthen the program, including institutionalizing the Safe Corridor initiative through legislation to ensure continuity beyond political administrations.
Other recommendations include the establishment of a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for beneficiaries, expansion of vocational training and entrepreneurship opportunities, and stronger community-based peace-building structures involving traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations.
The Forum also called for strict sanctions against politicians and individuals who use youth for political thuggery, as well as the development of a state-wide youth empowerment and employment strategy targeting vulnerable communities.
KPCF reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives that promote peace, accountability, youth development, and good governance in Kano State.
