The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has decried the disturbing trend of families renting out their children to street beggars, warning that begging is fast becoming a business in Abuja.
Acting Director of Social Welfare at the FCTA Social Development Secretariat, Gloria Onwuka, raised the concern on Thursday during a continued enforcement of Operation SWEEP Abuja Clean, aimed at sanitizing the city.
Onwuka revealed that some children, mostly between ages 8 and 10, are being trafficked into Abuja and used for begging. She said many of them arrive by hiding in trailers transporting goods from the northern part of the country.
“So far, we have picked up 210 beggars from across the city—comprising 80 men, 58 women, and 72 children,” she said.
According to her, all apprehended persons are taken to the FCT Vocational and Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari for profiling and temporary accommodation before being repatriated to their states of origin.
She assured that the facility is well-equipped with essential amenities to ensure humane treatment of the individuals while in custody.
Onwuka added that the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, has directed the Secretariat to intensify efforts to rid the capital of beggars and miscreants, as part of measures to enhance public safety and urban order.
Also speaking, Director of Security Services in the FCTA, Adamu Gwary, emphasized that Operation SWEEP Abuja Clean is also targeting criminal elements whose activities are making residents uneasy.
He reiterated the administration’s commitment to maintaining law and order across the territory.
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