The Kwara State Government has stepped up its clampdown on street begging following the arrest of a man suspected to be a bandit who allegedly posed as a beggar in Igbaja, located in the Ifelodun Local Government Area.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Social Development’s Press Secretary, Rasheedat Shodunke, and reported in The PUNCH, the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Nnafatima Imam, confirmed the development while addressing officers during a monitoring and enforcement exercise in the Ilorin metropolis.
According to Imam, the arrest has raised fresh security concerns and reinforced the urgency of tightening enforcement efforts across the state.
“This incident is a serious security concern and a clear indication that street begging could be exploited by criminal elements to perpetrate unlawful acts and endanger public safety,” she said.
The commissioner noted that although the government remains committed to supporting vulnerable individuals through rehabilitation and empowerment programmes, it will not allow criminals to hide under the guise of social vulnerability.
“While we are committed to protecting vulnerable persons, we will not tolerate the use of street begging as a cover for criminal activities,” Imam stated.
She warned parents, guardians, and sponsors against sending children or dependants to the streets, describing the practice as dangerous.
“Sending children to beg exposes them to exploitation, abuse, and serious security risks,” she cautioned.
Imam also urged residents to be vigilant and promptly report suspicious behaviours to security agencies.
“We ask residents to remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities,” she said.
The commissioner appealed to the public to support vulnerable groups through approved government channels instead of unregulated street almsgiving.
“Support should be channelled through government-approved social intervention programmes and credible humanitarian organisations,” she advised.
The Ministry confirmed that its ongoing enforcement exercise in Ilorin will be expanded to all local government areas across the state. Individuals or groups caught participating in or encouraging street begging will face legal consequences as stipulated under Kwara State laws.
Imam reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property while working toward a safer and more socially responsible society.
