Kogi State Government has sent packing 78 beggars and mentally unstable persons to their state of origin across the five northern states of the country.
The urchins were evacuated to their home states of Katsina ,Kaduna, Kano , Bauchi, and Zamfara States.
Addressing journalist on Tuesday in Lokoja, the State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development Hajiya Fatima Buba said they were evacuated mainly from old market, Zango, Ganaja village, and Obasanjo square, all in Lokoja metropolis.
The Commissioner noted that the evacuation was not borne out of discrimination but to sanitise the state capital of people roaming the streets.
She assured that Governor Yahaya Bello will not relent in his efforts to rid the state of beggars and mentally deranged persons , stressing that the exercise shall continue until the state is completely free from them.
” The state government made adequate arrangements to ensure that they are transported to their respective location with utmost respect and dignity.
“Before the government transported them back to their home states and Local Governments of origin with six buses, we took them first to the Ministry’s rehabilitation center, fed them and provided all the basic needs that will enable them to start normal lives like every others in the country.
“This government is committed to every citizen even though you are not from Kogi State. This action of ours should not be misconstrued. The government under the leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello remains committed to providing for the less privileged without any form of discrimination in the state” she stated.