The Oyo State government has arrested 32 suspected beggars in Ibadan metropolis for allegedly violating the law banning street begging in the state.
The commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun stated this at Akinyele resettlement centre, Ibadan, where the beggers were lodged.
She added that the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a special raid carried out by officers of the Ministry, and security agents between 2:30 p.m and 4:00 p.m in the metropolis.
According to Hon. Balogun, 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 on making 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 for their source of livelihood.
In a related development, the Oyo State government has vowed to permanently stamp out street begging from the State.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Architect Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said this while touring Egbeda Local Government, on Thursday.
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During the tour, he accosted a suspected “coordinator of beggers” (names withheld), who specializes in conveying beggars from the Northern part of the country to the State, to desist henceforth.
The Honourable Commissioner, described the menace as greatly traumatic, disclosed that, His Excellency, has discovered the infiltration and convergence of beggars within the metropolis as against the provisions and policy of Oyo State Government.
He vowed that street beggars, who refuse to take advantage of the magnanimous gesture of Oyo State Governor’s accommodation, specifically built for them, at Moniya, in Akinyele Local Government, would, henceforth face relocation to their home state.
The Honourable Commissioner, disclosed that necessary conclusions have been reached, with his counterparts, the Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs,Community Development and Social Welfare, Mrs Toyin Balogun.
He assured that all such inglorios vendors and consultants bringing in beggars to the State would be apprehended and prosecuted.
Architect Mogbonjubola, reiterated the commitment of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde led administration to champion, and ensure, an ideal, safe environment for all.