The Kwara State Government, located in the North Central region of Nigeria, has taken a firm stance against the pervasive issue of street begging and the aimless wandering of individuals with mental health challenges. The state’s Commissioner for Social Development, Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, underscored the reprehensible nature of these practices, as the government aims to uphold societal values and foster a clean and orderly environment.
Afolashade vocalized her dismay at the enduring prevalence of street begging, which some individuals have turned into a lucrative enterprise, despite extensive dialogue, media campaigns, and various social interventions by the government targeted at assisting the physically challenged and vulnerable members of society.
“The evacuation exercise is an integral part of the Ministry’s mandate and serves as a crucial tool in purging the society of any form of social misnomers, thereby bolstering environmental sanitation and upholding the values of the state,” emphasized the Commissioner.
Furthermore, she affirmed that Kwara State will not tolerate street begging, as it contravenes state laws, symbolizes indolence, and poses significant risks to society due to the presence of roaming individuals with mental health challenges.
Afolashade reiterated the sustained nature of the evacuation exercise and issued a stern warning that the Ministry will no longer treat this issue lightly, cautioning all those involved to desist or face legal repercussions.
During the course of the evacuation exercise, Ministry officers encountered resistance and physical assaults, necessitating the intervention of the Civil Defense officers to maintain order.
The Commissioner expressed gratitude for the proactive and proficient conduct of the officers during the exercise, while also seeking the continued support of the Corps in future assignments.
The evacuation team conducted operations in the Post Office/Taiwo-Isale, Tipper garage, Challenge/Unity Road, and Challenge/GRA areas of the State capital, resulting in the evacuation of no fewer than 88 individuals with mental health challenges and beggars. These individuals were subsequently taken to one of the Ministry’s rehabilitation homes for medical attention, legal action, and potential repatriation.
