By George Omagbemi Sylvester
The Lagos State Government has stepped up its campaign against street begging and public nuisance, arresting 45 individuals, including nine children, during coordinated enforcement operations in parts of the state.
The exercise, which took place in Oshodi, Agege and the Central Business District of Lagos Island, is part of ongoing efforts by the state government to restore order in public spaces and curb activities considered detrimental to environmental sanitation and public safety.
Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that 22 beggars comprising adults and teenagers were apprehended in Oshodi and Agege, while another 23 persons, including nine children, were arrested around the CMS axis during a separate operation.
According to the commissioner, the enforcement drive forms part of measures aimed at addressing indiscriminate street begging, which authorities say contributes to environmental disorder and poses risks to road users and pedestrians.
The arrest of the children, however, has renewed concerns among stakeholders over the growing challenges of poverty, homelessness and child welfare in the state.
Observers have argued that while enforcement actions may help reduce the visibility of street begging, long-term solutions require comprehensive social support programmes, rehabilitation initiatives and economic empowerment schemes targeted at vulnerable families.
They also stressed the need for improved access to education and social services to prevent children from ending up on the streets.
The latest operation highlights the difficult task facing authorities as they seek to enforce environmental regulations while addressing the underlying socio-economic factors driving street begging across the state.
The government has yet to disclose the next steps regarding the rehabilitation and welfare of those apprehended during the exercise.
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