Worried by the alarming rate of street begging and its negative impact within the State, the Lagos State Government has reiterated its stance for zero tolerance on begging in the State.
Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Agboola Dabiri said this at a meeting held with stakeholders on curbing the menace of street begging in Lagos.
According to him, available statistics indicated that despite the law enforcement agencies’ efforts at curbing the menace, beggars had become recalcitrant and that they sometimes engage in criminal activities while parading as beggars.
“Furthermore, the facilities which the government built to serve as transit home for rescued beggars and destitute is over stretched hence, the urgent need for all Stakeholders to find a lasting solution to the problem,” he said.
He, therefore, admonished all stakeholders, especially the leaders of Arewa Communities present not to abuse the good gesture of the State Governor who is running all-inclusive government by accommodating all and sundry that are residing in the State.
On his own part, the Head Judge of Lagos State High Court, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba said there was need to amend the law that prohibited street begging whereby both the givers and beggars as well as their suspected godfathers were made to face a stiffer penalty if caught.
The judge pointed out that begging is not accepted even in the Quran, as people who wanted money should work for it.
He further suggested that prosecution for street begging should be graduated in accordance to the gravity of offences committed.
Spokesperson of the Arewa Community, Alhaji Kabiru thanked the State Government for its warmth reception since their settlement in the State 173 years ago.
Kabiru said that the community would ensure strict compliance and live within the laws of Lagos State.
