The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to rid the streets of Abuja of beggars, starting next week.
Wike described the growing presence of street beggars in the nation’s capital as both “embarrassing” and a security threat.
“In terms of security, let me state clearly now, we have declared war,” Wike said during an address.
“Abuja is turning into a beggar city. If you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the road, please, from next week we will carry them. We will take them out.”
The Minister stressed that beggars not only mar the city’s image but could also serve as potential criminals.
“It is embarrassing that people will come in, and the first thing they see are just beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not be beggars; they may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that,” he said.
Wike issued a public warning, stating: “From now till Sunday, if they are not gone, from Monday we will pack them out. Let us know that we have a city we can call a city.”
He also suggested that some of the beggars could act as informants to criminal elements, complicating efforts to secure the city.
Wike reaffirmed his commitment to security as a core responsibility beyond infrastructural development.
He also revealed plans to renovate 25 schools in the FCT to enhance the quality of education.
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