Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, has issued an ultimatum to street beggars in Abuja, directing them to vacate the city by Sunday night.
Minister Wike expressed concerns over the increasing number of beggars, stating that criminals have infiltrated their ranks, thereby compromising the security of the city.
To address this issue, Wike has ordered street beggars to leave the city by the stipulated deadline. Failure to comply will result in security strict measures.
In his words,
“In terms of security, let me say it clearly now. We have declared war. Abuja is returning to beggars’ city. I mean, if you know you have a sister, you have a brother who is a beggar on the roads, from next week, we will carry them. We will take them out (of the city). I mean, it is embarrassing that people who come in, the first thing they see are just beggars on the road. Sometimes too, they may not be beggars. They may be criminals pretending to be beggars. We will not allow that.
So, I am giving a public order; from now till Sunday is the grace period. From Monday, we will pack them out. Let us know that we have a city that we can call a city. It is very embarrassing. We are fighting insecurity, and people will carry plates as if they are… maybe they will be informants.
So please, have it at the back of your mind that it is not only infrastructure that we are providing. We want to give you good security so you can sleep well with your two eyes closed.”
See his video report by TVC Newsng,