The Kwara State Government has evacuated 94 street beggars from various locations across Ilorin, the state capital, as part of its efforts to rid the metropolis of social vices.
Speaking during the exercise, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, disclosed that the operation involved 43 females and 51 males who were picked up for profiling, prosecution, and eventual repatriation to their respective states.
Dr. Imam stated that the recent operation marks the third time the state has conducted such an evacuation, reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance stance on street begging.
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his support in ensuring a cleaner and safer environment, free from street begging, hawking, and other forms of social menace.
She also emphasized that the state ensures proper coordination with the home states of the beggars before repatriation is carried out.
The Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse, Prevention and Control, Haliru Mikail, raised concerns that many individuals posing as beggars were found to be involved in drug peddling.
He stressed that the operation will be continuous in order to secure the wellbeing of the society.
The Head of the Non-Custodial Unit of the Nigeria Correctional Service in Kwara State, Mr. Adebayo Okunola, explained that the exercise aligns with the Correctional Act of 2019.
He assured that those prosecuted will face appropriate non-custodial sentences as provided by the law.
The street cleanup covered major areas within the Ilorin metropolis, including Geri Alimi, Tanke Junction, Offa Garage, Tipper Garage, and Zango.
Reporting by Ali Rabiu