Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has revealed that Almajiris, a large population of street children in northern Nigeria, made up the majority of those who participated in recent protests across the region. He noted that many of them were unaware of the reasons behind the demonstrations.
Speaking on the issue, Governor Sule expressed concern that the Almajiris were easily mobilized for the protests, despite lacking an understanding of the underlying causes. The demonstrations, which took place in various northern states, were part of nationwide protests sparked by growing discontent over hunger, hardship, and economic challenges in the country.
Governor Sule’s remarks have sparked a discussion about the exploitation of vulnerable groups like the Almajiris for political or social unrest. He called for more education and empowerment programs to better integrate these children into society and reduce their susceptibility to manipulation.
The protests in northern Nigeria, while largely peaceful, saw some instances of violence and unrest, leading to clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
The involvement of the Almajiris in these protests has highlighted the need for broader social reforms and greater attention to the welfare of marginalized groups in the region.