Street Begging Ban in Full Swing as Kwara Government Evacuates Nearly 100 Beggars from Ilorin Streets

The Kwara State Government has taken bold steps to curb street begging in Ilorin by evacuating 94 individuals found begging at major locations across the city. The move, officials say, is aimed at restoring order, enhancing public safety, and discouraging the exploitation of vulnerable people.

The coordinated operation was led by the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, with support from the National Correctional Service and the Governor’s office on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control. The team cleared beggars from hotspots like Geri Alimi, Tanke Junction, Offa Garage, Tipper Garage, and Zango.

Out of the 94 individuals evacuated, 43 were women and 51 men. According to Dr. Imam, this marks the third repatriation exercise carried out by the state government in recent times.

“Street begging will no longer be tolerated in Kwara State,” she stated firmly. “We’ve conducted public sensitization through jingles and awareness campaigns. This isn’t sudden—it’s part of a structured response to a persistent problem.”

Dr. Imam also explained that beggars found on the streets will be profiled, and depending on the situation, may face prosecution or be repatriated to their states of origin. A designated magistrate is available to handle offenders, with sentences ranging from a week or more, while minors are placed in temporary care until their parents complete community service.

The public is also being urged to stop giving money directly to beggars. Instead, donations should be made to verified mosques, churches, orphanages, or approved support centers, where aid can be delivered more effectively and responsibly.

Haliru Olamilekan Mikail, Special Assistant to the Governor on Drug Abuse Prevention and Control, supported the initiative, highlighting the darker side of street begging. “This is not just about appearances—it’s about safety. We’ve discovered that some street beggars serve as informants or are involved in drug trafficking,” he said.

The government says this is just the beginning of a wider cleanup and reintegration effort, with more operations expected across the state. The message is clear: Kwara is cracking down on street begging to build a safer, more orderly environment for everyone.