Phone snatching: Stakeholders lament challenges, proffer solutions in Kano
By Aisar Fagge and Uzair Adam Imam
Nothing could have been more worrisome presently in Kano than the menace of phone snatching that has become rampant, leading some analysts to describe the development as a pandemic gradually ravaging the peace in the state.
It was on this light that the Muslim Forum of Nigeria in collaboration with Al-Istiqama University, Kano, and the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Kano State Chapter, converged for a meeting to discuss the way forward with a view to end the menace.
The symposium Saturday with the title “Curbing the Menace of Phone Snatching” has in attendance many people from all walks of the state, including security personnel, traditional rulers, analysts, journalists, Islamic clerics and university dons, to menton but a few.
Phone snatching has become a major security challenge in Kano state that continue to strike terror in the mind of the residents as thugs with deadly weapons spare no one during their ‘phone or life’ operation.
A shocking disclosure by the Kano State Police Command has indicated that from January to May over six hundred (600) phone snatchers have been arrested by security agents in Kano State.
Arrested culprits must be dealt with
The Secretary General of the Muslim Forum of Nigeria and the Vice Chancellor of the Al-Istiqama University, Kano, Professor Salisu Shehu, has called on the relevant authorities to ensure that the culprits arrested in the course of phone snatching be punished according to the provision of law.
He stated that, “There are two ways to address this menace: the problem can be tackled through government and our security personnel who will ensure the arrest and punishment of these armed thugs and; through this kind of symposium with the stakeholders to deliberate on the genesis and possible solutions of the syndrome.”
Professor Salisu added that for any nation or community to survive there must be people of knowledge who would think, study and analyse issues for the betterment of that society.
We must put hands together – traditional ruler
Also speaking at the event, Alhaji Ilyasu Mu`azu, the Ward Head of Sharada, said we should all put hands together before we could fight off phone snatching in Kano state.
“It is only through collective effort that we can address this problem,” he stated, adding that “traditional rulers should work hand in hand with security personnel through reporting happening and any suspicious act or individual involving in criminal activities in their area.”
The Kano State Emir, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, who was represented by Dan Amar Kano, Alh. Aliyu Harazumi, has commended the organizers and also called on the district and ward heads to ensure working with the security personnel to help address the issue of phone snatching in the state.
However, the Public Relatios Kano Police Command, DSP Abdullahi Haruna Kiya, said all efforts by the police to address the issue are on top gear as their personnel were never reluctant.