Former Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bauchi chapter, Reverend Okafor Emefesi, has appealed for support for disenchanted children in the state.
While making the appeal on Tuesday March 3rd, 2020 in Bauchi State, Rev. Okafor stated that the Federal government should provide housing, education and feeding for the children.
He stated that majority of them are under the Islamic almajiri scheme.
He warned that neglecting the welfare of almajiris might make them willing tools in the hands of insurgents who seek to cause harm to the nation.
Rev Okafor, who issued the warning at a book launch in the state, said good things could only happen in the North if leaders give enough attention to children’s welfare.
“I think the reason for insecurity, especially in the North is because of the neglect of the almajiris. For this reason, these children naturally become disenchanted. In addition, they look for means of survival, turn to various crimes: banditry, kidnapping and terrorism,” he said.
“The Federal government must now intervene in this crisis before it becomes too late,” he noted.
“The solution is not in banning street begging. If you ban street begging and the children are still hungry, what happens?
“They will eventually pick up various types of crimes to survive, not minding the consequences that might follow,” he added
He also appealed to the federal government to extend its reach to more families suffering in the state.
