Kwara govt evacuates beggars, lunatics from streets
The Kwara State Government has reasserted its dedication to eliminating environmental degradation and societal disruption.
Hon. Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, the Commissioner for Social Development, emphasized this commitment during an official evacuation of street beggars and lunatics conducted by the Ministry in the Ilorin metropolis.
Hon. Afolashade said the Ministry’s responsibility to ensure that the society remains free from any activities that could hinder peaceful coexistence in the state.
She recalled that the Ministry previously engaged in dialogue with the Beggars Association, warning against roadside begging, a practice responsible for societal disruptions and environmental degradation.
The Commissioner expressed her concern over the alarming prevalence of roadside begging and the unchecked roaming of individuals with mental health challenges within Ilorin metropolis. She warned those engaged in such activities to cease immediately, cautioning that violators will face legal consequences.
Hon. Afolashade further elaborated on the detrimental effects of these practices on society, including environmental littering and the potential for individuals to exploit the guise of mental health disorders to hide criminal activities.
She stated, “Roadside begging has adverse consequences for our society, leading to environmental pollution. The presence of individuals with mental health issues wandering the city poses a significant threat to public safety, as some may exploit this situation to engage in illegal activities.”
During the operation, the Commissioner’s team conducted assessments from the Post-Office area to Geri Alimi/Airport Road. The team evacuated five individuals with mental health challenges, while two roadside beggars were immediately transferred to one of the Ministry’s rehabilitation facilities for care and possible reintegration.
