‘It’s embarrassing’: Wike declares war on beggars in Abuja

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has declared war on beggars defacing Abuja and posing security risks in the nation’s capital.

Wike made the declaration during the official commencement of the construction of the access road from Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway in Abuja on Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

The minister stated that the move was necessary over concerns that Abuja was turning to a beggars’ city.

He said: “Let me say clearly now, we have declared war on beggars because Abuja is returning to beggars’ city.

“If you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the road, do something, because from next week, we will carry them; we will take them out of the city.

“It is embarrassing that people who come into Abuja, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road.”

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Wike further stated that sometimes the supposed beggars may not be beggars but criminals pretending to be beggars.

Wike, who is the immediate past governor of Rivers State, added: “We will not allow that.

“So, I am giving a public order from now till Sunday. From Monday, we will pack them out. It’s very embarrassing.

“We are fighting insecurity, and people will carry plates begging, and might be informants.”

The minister explained that the move was to ensure maximum security so that residents could sleep with their two eyes closed.

He noted that some people may not be happy with the decision, saying: “Sometimes we don’t need to make you happy.

“What is important is that we must do our work. If you are not happy, there is nothing we can do, but for the well-being of the people, it is key.”

The Star