The Kwara State House of Assembly has called on the state government to step up enforcement of the existing Street Begging Prohibition Law, citing its adverse effects on society and associated security risks.
During plenary on Wednesday, the lawmakers made the call following a motion of notice titled “Need to Control the Trend of Street Begging in Kwara State and Mitigate the Associated Security Risk” sponsored by Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (APC/Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe).
Presenting the House’s resolutions, Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu urged the Secretary to the State Government to establish a committee to assess the extent, root causes, and security implications of street begging in the state. He said the committee should also propose practical solutions to curb the menace.
Leading the debate, Hon. Danbaba expressed concern that the unchecked rise of street begging not only disrupts public order but also exposes vulnerable individuals to exploitation, trafficking, and abuse.
Other lawmakers echoed similar concerns and urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development to form a community-based task force. This task force, they proposed, would be responsible for identifying beggars, facilitating their reintegration into society, and reporting recurring cases.
In a related development, the House also held the first reading of a bill seeking to amend the state's Secret Cults and Secret Societies Prohibition Law. If passed, the amendment will introduce stiffer penalties and address related public safety concerns.
