The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has launched an initiative to remove street beggars from Abuja.
This action, announced during a live media briefing on Wednesday, November 13, is primarily motivated by security concerns. Wike emphasized, "Abuja is not meant to be a beggar’s city," underscoring his commitment to enhancing the capital's safety.
The minister's decision has drawn criticism, particularly given Nigeria's ongoing economic challenges, which have forced many into begging as a means of survival.
Critics argue that the crackdown is unnecessary and fails to address the root causes of poverty.
However, Wike firmly rejects this perspective, stating, "We should stop using poverty as an excuse for security threats."
Wike highlighted the potential risks posed by beggars, suggesting that some might act as informants for terrorists.
"You can just see somebody sitting on the side of your house, pretending to be a beggar, but he is an informant," he warned.
This assertion reflects a broader concern about the vulnerability of urban areas to criminal exploitation.
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