14th September, 2021
The Lagos State Government has begun massive onslaught against beggars and lunatics across the state as it arrested 128 of them.
The raid was carried out on Monday across the metropolis as government vowed to rid the state off beggars, lunatics and street traders.
Officials of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development carried out the raid.
In the exercise tagged “Rescue Operation” by a special team of the Rescue and Rehabilitation department of the ministry in collaboration with the police, Man O War and other volunteers, visited major streets and markets in Mushin, Fadeyi, Yaba, Lekki and Sabo areas to rescue beggars, destitute and vulnerable people found on the street, under the bridges, uncompleted buildings and other places unfit for human habitation.
Beggars, destitute, lunatics and others caught were hauled inside truck and taken away.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr Olusegun Dawodu had during a press conference at Bagauda Kaltho press centre, Secretariat, Alausa recently informed the public of the plan, purpose and modus operandi for the setting up of the special team to rescue beggars, destitute and vulnerable persons.
The Commissioner said “As a responsible and responsive government under the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu led- administration, we will not fold our arms and watch the state become a haven for beggars,” noting that the state would take action to curb the menace.
“Street begging is a social vice that we cannot afford to watch attain uncontrollable level before we act, otherwise, all the good plans and programs to transform our dear state would be adversely affected which is same with street hawking,” he added.
Head of Rehabilitation and Rescue Department, Mrs Olutoyin Jaiyeola disclosed that about 128 people, male and Female which included mentally challenged persons, destitute and beggars were rescued by the team from different areas of the State.