The Kwara State Government has launched a major crackdown on street begging and loitering in Ilorin, the state capital. In a coordinated operation led by the Ministry of Social Development, several beggars and street urchins were arrested, tried, and convicted by a mobile court sitting at the ministry’s headquarters.
The enforcement, supervised by the Commissioner for Social Development, Hajia Mariam Yusuf Imam, covered major areas in the city including Post Office, Taiwo Road, Asa-Dam Road, Gerin Alimi, and Tanke. Men, women, and children caught begging in these locations were rounded up during the sweep.
Hajia Imam explained that the move followed repeated warnings and public awareness campaigns which failed to stop the growing number of beggars and street children. She said their activities have become a threat to public safety and the orderliness of the city.
“We have tried dialogue and awareness, but they keep returning to the streets. Now we are applying the law,” she said.
The arrested persons were arraigned before Magistrate Jumoke Bello at the mobile court and were found guilty under Kwara State’s Social Development Laws. They were sentenced to community service as punishment.
The commissioner warned that the government would sustain the operation and anyone caught violating the law would face similar sanctions.
“This is not a one-off. We urge everyone involved to stop now or face the consequences,” she added.
The state government says the aim is to keep Ilorin clean, safe, and well-organized, in line with ongoing urban development efforts.
