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Anambra Government Intensifies Crackdown on Street Begging, Arrests 16

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 15th, 2024.

Anambra Government Intensifies Crackdown on Street Begging, Arrests 16

The Anambra State Government has launched a significant crackdown on syndicates exploiting children for begging in Awka and surrounding areas.

On Tuesday night, operatives from the Awka Capital Development Authority (ACTDA) conducted a raid at Aroma Junction and nearby locations, resulting in the arrest of 16 child beggars and several adults. This operation, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, aimed to remove children from the streets and combat this growing issue.

The raid caused considerable alarm as some children fled upon seeing the enforcement team, while others resisted arrest but were ultimately subdued and transported away in waiting vehicles.

Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Welfare Ify Obinabo, addressing the media on Wednesday, emphasized that the operation would extend across Awka to eliminate the practice of using children for begging. Obinabo voiced concern over the exploitation of school-age children, who are deprived of education and forced into begging and petty theft by criminal networks.

The 16 children apprehended during the raid have been handed over to the Operation Clean and Healthy Anambra Brigade, which will trace their parents and guardians. Obinabo noted, “This situation is troubling, especially given Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s provision of free basic education in the state. It is alarming that many of these children are not originally from Anambra State.”

She warned that the government would not tolerate the continued use of children for begging and urged parents to ensure they can adequately care for their children to prevent their involvement in such activities.

ACTDA Managing Director Ossy Onuko explained that previous warnings to beggars and miscreants through various media had been ignored. He reiterated the government’s commitment to identifying and prosecuting those responsible for exploiting children.

“This raid is part of our ongoing efforts to clean up key areas within the Awka Capital Territory,” Onuko said. “We cannot foster a livable and prosperous community while allowing such exploitation to persist. It is crucial to address this issue now to prevent these children from becoming a future problem for both their families and society.”