‘Declare State of Emergency on Phone Snatching’, Youths Group Tasks Kano Incoming Administration
AREWA AGENDA – A youth-based non-governmental organization, Youths Society for the Prevention of Infectious Diseases and Social Vices (YOSPIS) on Tuesday asked the incoming administration to declare a state of emergency on the menace of Phone Snatching bedevilling the security situation of the state.
The Executive Director of YOSPIS, Zainab Nasir Ahmad made this call while briefing the newsmen in Kano on the recommendations of her organisation to the authorities concerned as well as precautionary advice to the general public on staying away from falling victim.
Nasir is quoted to have confirmed that, “Countless people were stabbed to death by the phone snatchers. The situation has recently grown to the level that the snatchers operate in the daytime invading houses in various communities. This is said to be alarming and pathetic to the history of the Kano state.”
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“We will like to call on the incoming Governor of Kano State Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf to declare a State of Emergency on Phone Snatching by establishing a special task force that will work in synergy with police and judiciary to facilitate the speedy investigation, as well as prosecution and trial of all cases related to phone snatching in Kano State.” Nasir said
While advising the public, the executive director opined that people should avoid flaunting expensive smartphones or other valuable belongings in public, avoid phone usage in crowded places such as markets or bus stations which makes it an easy target for culprits to attack and stay away from suspicious individuals.
“If you notice someone acting suspiciously or following you, trust your instincts and try to create distance between you and the person. Move towards crowded or well-lit areas where you can seek assistance if needed” Nasir added
In the part of the recommendation to the government, Zainab Nasir recommended the government to Increase law enforcement presence in strategic locations, improve the availability of street light during night hours, strengthen surveillance systems, and establish dedicated hotlines for citizens to report phone snatching incidents promptly among others.
“There is a need for citizens to desist from taking the law into their hands when phone snatchers are arrested to avoid the likelihood of attacking innocent individuals and framing others.” Zainab concluded
