20th February, 2014
Cyriacus Izuekwe
At least 100 beggars were arrested by the Lagos State government on Wednesday for constituting public nuisance on the streets of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria.
P.M.NEWS gathered that the beggars were arrested in Dopemu, Iyana Ipaja, Akowonjo, Ipaja and Egbeda, among other areas, by the state Ministry of Youths, Sports and Social Development (Rehabilitation Department).
A source at the ministry told P.M.NEWS that the beggars will be charged to court soon.
It was learnt that the beggars arrested were mainly teenagers and youths who abandoned schooling for street begging.
The arrest followed series of complaints by the residents of the areas, accusing the beggars of constituting public nuisance and posing security threat in the areas.
Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth and Social Development, Dr. Dolapo Badru, frowned at street begging on Lagos streets and warned residents not to give alms to beggars.
He said both the beggars and the givers are culpable of the offence.
The Lagos State government has vowed to stamp out street begging in the state.
It prosecuted and jailed over 120 beggars last year.