A CHILD HAWKER, NOT A CRIMINAL

Modupe was a 12-year-old brought to Lagos after completing her elementary school education in the village to live with her brother and his wife. When her brother lost his job, her aunt's store was the only source of income for the family.

Things became tough for the family. After a long argument between the couple, an agreement was reached. Modupe and her cousins would go to the aunt's store to help. They would hawk some of the goods to reach more consumers and boost sales.

Source: The Conversation

Street Hawking is not a strange sight on the streets of Nigeria. However, children hawkers are a significant source of concern. Imagine young Modupe and her cousins running alongside other kids, crossing the expressway in a bid to get to customers.

There are several kids like Modupe, some of which are forced to hawk by family members or trusted friends of the family they reside with. Understandably, the economy is not flourishing. However, one must not forget that child street hawking is a form of child labor and abuse. Therefore, it must not be tolerated.

Due to the rise of hawkers in Lagos State, a law was made to ban street hawking. This law is enforced by the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) law enforcement unit. Many Nigerians live below the poverty line, and most families have turned to hawking. It is currently one of the easiest and cheapest forms of business that immediately provides profit.

Although, the rule to ban hawkers was created with good intentions; to improve the state. The execution process has been terrible. I remember how all hell breaks loose once green trucks and officers wearing green uniforms are spotted. Even children are not left out.

Source: younewsng

Multiple accidents have occurred while hawkers are trying to escape. One fateful day, Modupe had to go hawk alone. Her cousins were sick, and money was needed to buy drugs. She had always evaded the KAI officials because the youngest acted as a watchman.

She decided to walk to places they had never been to make up for the fact that she was alone. She got to Ojota, a bustling spot in Lagos State. Unknown to her, this was also a spot for disguised KAI officials. Suddenly, she heard another child hawker scream, "run," and she did.

Once street hawkers are caught, their goods are confiscated until bail is paid. To get the hawkers, a manhunt starts. Unfortunately, Modupe was caught at the center of the hunt that day. What she did not know was running that day would cost her a lot.

Source: 123RF.com

She started running and almost escaped until a cyclist going against traffic stopped her in her tracks. With the cyclist at her front and the officials behind her, she turned left. At this point, it was escape or live her worst nightmare. She continued to run until she encountered a hidden enemy.

Slowly, cries filled the air. People who were not concerned during the pursuit immediately became sympathizers. "Such a young child," said one passerby. Another was concerned about why she was running as the officers were nowhere to be found.

"It must be one of those KAI officers," Abdul, a store owner who had witnessed several incidents like this, muttered. Since there was no way to contact a family member, Modupe's lifeless body was carried to the state morgue. To this day, her brother and his wife are being questioned about her whereabouts.

Modupe's story is simply one of many. Children who are subjected to hawking do not enjoy it. They do not engage in illegal activities to make money. Therefore, KAI officials should learn that they should keep hawkers off the streets, not kill them. The ban placed in Lagos State must be adjusted.

Parents should be educated on the dangers that come with street hawking. Furthermore, if an avenue of income is being taken away from the masses, others must be created. Remember, we can save future leaders by doing what is right. Treat them like children, not criminals.