BREAKING - Lagos govt, police command street beggars, traders to leave state

 The Lagos government has ordered street beggars and traders to leave the state.

A Special Task Force has been established. The authorities say criminals hide under such acts to attack motorists and residents.

Commissioners for Youth and Social Development, Olusegun Dawodu; Information, Gbenga Omotoso; Police, Hakeem Odumosu addressed a joint briefing at Alausa.

Dawodu explained that the task force became necessary to sanitise the society and restore the dignity of beggars and hawkers.

The special team will commence operations next week to stop those using dangerous weapons to assault and rob people after disguising.

The government will deploy human and material resources towards enlightenment and sensitisation.

Dawodu said it was high time the laws of Lagos are enforced for sanity to reign.

He advised individuals and companies to donate to registered homes, orphanages, rehabilitation and faith-based organisations instead of roadside alms seekers.

“Street begging is a social vice that we cannot afford to watch until it attains an uncontrollable level. Otherwise, all the good plans and programmes would be adversely affected. The same goes for street hawking.

"This has become big business. Our investigation revealed that beggars and hawkers are transported regularly from other parts of the country to Lagos with the sole aim of doing this odious business.”

In his remarks, Odumosu declared that the era of condoning trading and alms begging on Lagos roads was over.