Kwara Government Evacuates 40 Beggars in Ilorin, Foreign Currency, Weapons Recovered
Kwara Government Evacuates 40 Beggars in Ilorin, Foreign Currency, Weapons Recovered
The Kwara State Government has evacuated another batch of 40 beggars from the streets of Ilorin, the state capital, as part of its ongoing effort to rid the city of street begging and related vices.
The operation, carried out by officials of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Development in collaboration with the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), Kwara State Command, took place over the weekend across major streets and strategic points in the metropolis.
During the exercise, a startling discovery was made when foreign currency specifically US dollars—was found in the possession of one of the beggars, identified as Musa Mahmuda, who hails from Kano State.
In addition, a sharp knife was recovered from another beggar, raising concerns about possible security threats associated with street begging.
The Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, who supervised the evacuation, disclosed that seven of the 40 persons picked up were repeat offenders, having previously been evacuated but returned to the streets shortly after their release.
“This recurring trend shows that we need to intensify both enforcement and rehabilitation. Our goal is not only to keep the city safe and clean but also to help these individuals reintegrate into society through proper channels,” the commissioner stated.
He assured that the government would continue to provide rehabilitation and skills acquisition programmes for those willing to abandon street begging, while warning that repeat offenders may face stricter penalties in future exercises.
The discovery of foreign currency and a weapon among the evacuees has sparked fresh debate among residents on the true nature of street begging in Ilorin, with some suggesting that it has become a cover for other activities beyond the search for alms.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the clean-up campaign, urging members of the public to support its efforts by discouraging indiscriminate almsgiving on the streets.
