No fewer than 32 suspected beggars in Ibadan metropolis have been arrested by the State government for allegedly violating the law banning street begging.
The commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun stated this at Akinyele resettlement centre, Ibadan, where the beggars were lodged.
She added that the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a special raid carried out by Ministry officers and security agents between 2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. in the metropolis.
According to the commissioner, 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.
Balogun stressed that the menace is not only affecting the beauty of our roads but also 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 this set of people, adding that food will be provided to them. At the same time, they undergo vocational training on simple but profitable crafts for their source of livelihood.
