By 
In its concerted efforts to rid off all forms of social menace caused by road side begging within the strategic areas of Ilorin metropolis, the Kwara State Government has gone tough on beggars across diverse strategic areas within the State capital.
The Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, gave the indication during an amply evacuation exercise carried out yesterday across Ilorin metropolis.
Hon. Afolashade, who expressed dissatisfaction at the incessant noncompliance of some individuals taking begging as daily lucrative venture, described the act as sabotage and a rile to the government’s resolve in making the State habitable and a gleam of attraction.
While addressing some audience at the spot of the exercise, the Commissioner disclosed that “the activities of road side beggars over time have not only been causing the State huge social and environmental deface but also pose threats to the security of lives of inhabitants within the State.”
“Some of this set of people can not overtly be regarded innocent and vulnerable as many unscrupulous individual among them often hide under the disguise of road side begging to perpetrate evils”, she added.
“It is yet a dismay to us today now, with the zealous efforts of our team, that some daggers, knives and charms were recovered from these people (beggars)”, Hon. Afolashade revealed.
The Commissioner further stressed that the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq-led administration places priority on social enlivening to the people at the lower par of the economy in the State, through numerous social interventions to the vulnerable, disabled and less privileged, adding that the Governor is ever ready to do more.
It would be recalled that the State government has assured and has been rolling out intervention packages, both monetary, materials and vocational trainings as part of the measures in providing succour on prevailing economy hardship.
The evacuation exercise was commended by residents, who were at the various scenes of the exercise, urging the State government not to renege effort in its quest to fully eradicate the menace in the State.
The evacuation exercise started at the G.R.A. axis to Babatunde Idiagbon Flyover, Tanke; Offa Garage; Geri Alimi; Odoota; and some parts of Baba Ode-Dangote area, where many street beggars reside.
At the closure, no fewer than 46 beggars were evacuated, taken to the Ministry’s facility for correction and onward reparation, while their children were taken to Children Reception Centre for immediate care and protection.
The evacuation team also had the Director, Rehabilitation, Mr. Taiye Ikupolati and some other staff of the Ministry in attendance.
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