Wike’s Crackdown on Beggars in FCT Sparks Mixed Reactions

The recent directive by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike to crack down on beggars in Abuja has sparked a range of reactions. Speaking during the launch of a road project in Katampe District, Wike justified the move by expressing concern over the capital’s reputation as a “beggars’ city” and announced plans to remove beggars from the city starting next week....(CONTINUE READING)

This decision follows previous efforts by the FCTA to address street begging, including the repatriation of hundreds of beggars to their home states. Critics, including the African Action Congress (AAC) and rights group SERAP, have condemned Wike’s plan as lacking empathy and failing to address the root causes of poverty. SERAP threatened legal action, urging Wike to focus on providing support to help beggars rebuild their lives and integrate into society.

On the other hand, the Arewa Youths for Peaceful Coexistence defended Wike’s action, stating it was not targeted at any particular group but aimed at improving security and the city’s image. However, some beggars expressed distress, questioning how they would survive without alternative means of support. Calls for sustainable solutions, such as empowerment programs, were echoed by those affected, emphasizing the need for government intervention that respects human dignity and addresses systemic poverty.