To address the growing menace of street begging and its link to insecurity, the Edo State Government, has initiated a strategic partnership with the Hausa community in Benin City.
Towards this end the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Chief Bisi Idaomi, has met with the leaders of the community headed by Alhaji Adamu Isa Adamu, in Benin City.
The meeting focused on the identification, relocation, and rehabilitation of individuals engaging in street begging — particularly those alleged to be involved in criminal activities under the guise of destitution in areas such as Ring Road, Akpakpava, Ikpoba Hill, and Mission Road.
Speaking Chief Idaomi, said the administration is concerned about increasing reports of disturbances and felonious acts linked to street beggars.
“Our sons and daughters are complaining about the deteriorating state of affairs in certain areas of our city. The government is determined to act without triggering misunderstanding or conflict among residents,” she noted.
She reaffirmed Governor Okpebholo’s broader security and social welfare reform agenda, which aims to restore dignity to public spaces, protect vulnerable populations, and ensure that criminal elements no longer exploit societal sympathy.
Alhaji Adamu Isa Adamu on his part expressed full support for the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary. “We are ready to work with the Edo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development to ensure that these efforts succeed. Criminals posing as beggars tarnish the reputation of the Hausa community, and we will not condone such behavior,” he said.
