The Oyo State government has arrested 32 beggars in Ibadan metropolis for allegedly violating the law, banning street begging in the state.
The commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Hon. Toyin Balogun stated this at Akinyele resettlement centre, Ibadan, where the beggers were lodged.
She said the suspects were apprehended in the metropolis on Thursday afternoon during a raid exercise carried out by officers of the Ministry, and security agents.
According to her, the State Government frowns at the menace which has become an eye sore in the society, stressing that it is a crime to beg on the streets in Oyo State.
Hon. Balogun stressed that the menace is not only affecting the beauty of our roads but a high risk to the beggars lives as they can be knocked down or crushed by speeding vehicles.
The Commissioner explained that the state government is working hard to make the resettlement centre at Akinyele more conducive for these set of people, adding that food will be provided to them while they undergo vocational training on simple but profitable crafts to earn a living.
In another development, the state government has vowed to eradicate street begging from the State.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said this during a tour to Egbeda Local Government, on Thursday.
The commissioner during the exercise warned the “co-ordinator of beggers” (names withheld), who specialized in conveying beggers from the Northern part of the country to the State, to desist from the act.
The Mogbonjubola described the development as as unethical adding that the governor has discovered the infiltration and convergence of beggers within the metropolis as against the provisions and policy of the state government.
He warned that street beggers who refuse to take advantage of the magnanimous gesture of the state Governor’s accommodation, specifically built for them, at Moniya, in Akinyele Local Government, would, henceforth be relocated to their home state.
The disclosed that an agreement has been reached with his counterparts, the Commissioner for Women Affairs,Community Development and Social Welfare, Mrs Toyin Balogun to address the issue.
He warned that vendors who bring in beggers to the State would be apprehended and prosecuted.
The commissioner reiterated the commitment of the governor Engr. Seyi Makinde led administration to champion, and ensure, an ideal, safe environment for all.
