National Telescope national telescope newspaper
46 beggars were removed from some “strategic areas” in Ilorin, the state capital, by the Kwara State Government on Thursday.
The exercise, according to state commissioner for societal development, Opeyemi Afolashade, was part of the government’s coordinated efforts to eradicate all societal threats brought on by roadside begging in the city’s key districts.
Afolashade called the act sabotage and a challenge to the government’s resolve to make the state livable and appealing, even as she expressed her displeasure at the persistent noncompliance of some people who saw begging as a daily lucrative endeavor.
The commissioner said, speaking to the crowd at one of the exercise locations, that “the activities of roadside beggars over time have not only caused significant social and environmental degradation in the state but also posed threats to the security of inhabitants’ lives.”
“Some of these individuals cannot be overtly regarded as innocent and vulnerable, as many unscrupulous individuals among them often hide under the guise of roadside begging to perpetrate evils in the community,” she continued.
She stated further, “It is a dismay to us today, despite the zealous efforts of our team, that some daggers, knives, and charms were recovered from these people (beggars).”
The commissioner emphasized that the governor is prepared to take further action and that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration prioritizes social upliftment for the state’s economically disadvantaged through a number of social interventions for the weak, disabled, and less fortunate.
Residents at different scenes applauded the evacuation drill and urged the state government to keep up its efforts to completely eradicate the threat in the state.
Starting in the G.R.A. area, the exercise extended to Tanke, Babatunde Idiagbon Flyover, Offa Garage, Geri Alimi, Odota, and certain areas of the Baba Ode-Dangote neighborhood, which is home to a large number of street vendors.
While their children were transferred to the Children’s Reception Center for emergency treatment and safety, the 46 evacuated beggars were taken to the ministry’s institution for correction and subsequent rehabilitation.
Along with a few other ministry employees, the evacuation crew also included Mr. Taiye Ikupolati, the Director of Rehabilitation.
