Amidst the bustling streets of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, a harrowing tale of economic struggle unfolds as beggars find themselves at the mercy of dwindling public assistance. In a conversation with Media Talk Africa at the renowned old market, Malam Abubakar Alli, a beggar, lamented the dire state of affairs, expressing dismay over the drastic decline in their daily earnings. He reminisced about the days when he could boast of making N1,500 to N2,000 a day, highlighting the alarming reality that now, he scarcely earns half that amount.
For Mohammed Adamu, a blind beggar, life has become increasingly arduous due to the diminishing returns from begging. He revealed the immense challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, emphasizing their heavy reliance on the goodwill of society. Adamu’s plea resonates with desperation as he questioned the uncertain future, “We are dying of hunger. Where do we go from here?”
These pleas for assistance are not confined to the local populace but extend to the State and Federal Government, urging them to devise effective remedies for the social and economic turmoil plaguing the nation.
Media Talk Africa’s investigation uncovered the exorbitant cost of living in Kogi State, particularly in Lokoja. Staple foods like garri, once considered affordable, have skyrocketed from N500 to N2,200, pushing the common man’s sustenance beyond attainability. Furthermore, a comprehensive market survey conducted by Media Talk Africa revealed astronomical price increases for essential food items, further exacerbating the plight of the impoverished.
The profound impact of these economic tribulations is compounded by soaring transportation costs and the removal of fuel subsidies by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government in 2023.
Amidst the cacophony of the bustling city, the voices of the downtrodden beggars in Kogi State paint a poignant picture of resilience and unyielding hope amidst adversity, pleading for a glimmer of reprieve in their struggle for survival.
