KWEPA evacuates street beggars in Ilorin
By Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin
Barely 24 hours after reading a riot act to beggars in Ilorin, the Kwara state capital, to vacate the streets or get arrested and sanctioned, the State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA), has swung into action, descending on beggars along the streets within the metropolis.
The operatives of the agency were seen in action evacuating beggars found in large number around the Geri-Alimi bridge in Ilorin for constituting environmental nuisance.
The street beggars were reportedly sent packing from the Geri-Alimi bridge after well meaning residents of the state sent in reports of environmental violations on the part of the beggars to the agency.
The activities of the beggars are said to be sabotaging the efforts of the state government in keeping the environment clean and aesthetic.
The General Manager of KWEPA, Alhaji Sa’ad Ayuba Dan-Musa, led the enforcement team of the Agency to Inspect the site, saying no fewer than 50 beggars were sent away and warned not to return to the location or any other location within the metropolis.
Alhaji Sa’ad Ayuba Dan-Musa, admonished those in the axis and other parts of Ilorin metropolis to play their own part by cooperating with government in sending away the beggars whenever they sight them, while the government would continue to intensify its monitoring and enforcement aspects.
The Head, Encroachment unit, Alhaji Yunusa Jiddah, on his part, issued a stern warning to the beggars, telling them the implications of violating the environmental laws.
He warned that anyone caught there again or any other place in the capital city would be prosecuted according to the law.