The Kano State Bureau of Statistics says there are only 6,573 street beggars.

A statement by its director-general, Suraj Sulaiman, on Monday, said an official survey conducted by KSBS across eight metropolitan LGAs confirmed the figure.

“The bureau’s mapping exercise identified a total of 6,573 street beggars.

“Children aged 0 to 10 years account for 7 per cent, representing 457 individuals, while youths aged 11 to 20 years constitute the largest demographic group at 56.4 per cent,” Mr Sulaiman explained.

Mr Sulaiman also mentioned that the findings suggested that street begging in the state was more closely linked to youths’ vulnerability, poverty, unemployment and limited access to education.

He stressed that poverty remained the primary driver of street begging in Kano, with unemployment and low educational attainment also contributing significantly.

The KSBS director-general further restated the need for regulatory compliance in statistical activities, noting that all organisations conducting surveys within Kano must obtain prior clearance and official approval from KSBS.

While acknowledging that street begging remains a serious social concern, Mr Sulaiman said policy responses must be guided by credible, evidence-based data.

He added that Governor Abba Yusuf’s administration had declared a state of emergency in education and introduced interventions to address the root causes of vulnerability among children and youths. 

(NAN)