(Munnar)
Niger state government says it is working out modalities with the Nigeria Immigration Services (NIS) to repatriate 12 almajiris (kid beggars) who migrated into Nigeria from Niger and Benin Republics.
It also disclosed that it had commenced similar efforts for 2 others whose state or country of origin is not yet known
Niger state commissioner for Education, Hajiya Hannatu Salihu had while briefing journalists on efforts to rid the state of almajiris to check spread of Corona Virus (COVID-19), said the state government rounded up no fewer than 806 almajiris.
Salihu,who said it cost the state government whooping N86 million to cater for the almajiris before they were repatriated to their states and countries of origin, added that 86 out of the number were from Minna emirate alone.
The commissioner also said that the state government was still dialoguing with critical stakeholders, on the appropriate date for resumption of schools against fears being expressed by the NUT over what it termed ‘Hasty’ opening of schools to check COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, some residents of Minna have raised the alarm over the activities of some almajiri proprietors who they claimed had resorted to hiding the kids in abandoned houses and uncompleted buildings to avoid arrest by government agencies.
“Some proprietors still keep the almajiris in isolated buildings away from the prying eyes of the state government. These kids always disturb public peace in the dead hours of the night, talking and shouting,” one of the residents said.
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