Abuja, the vibrant capital of Nigeria, presents a striking landscape of contrasts. The city is characterized by luxury vehicles gliding along expansive avenues, while modern glass structures reflect the sunlight. However, at the same time, another reality unfolds at the intersections and street corners.
In these bustling areas, one can find men, women, and children striving to survive through begging. For many of these individuals, life on the streets of Abuja is not a choice but a necessity, born from a series of unfortunate events, compounded by poverty and desperation.
Street begging has become a prominent sight in Abuja, particularly at major intersections, shopping malls, airports, parks, markets, and places of worship. The presence of beggars is pervasive, highlighting the stark divide within the city.
The demographic of beggars is diverse, comprising both elderly individuals and young children. Some of them hold placards that outline their struggles, while others carry infants, leveraging their vulnerability to evoke sympathy from passersby.
Despite the visible presence of beggars, the number has continued to increase, even in the face of interventions by relevant government agencies. The Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB) is tasked with maintaining the city’s cleanliness, which includes the removal of beggars from public spaces.
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Meanwhile, the FCT Social Development Secretariat is responsible for the rehabilitation of those who are removed from the streets. However, an investigation by Weekend Trust has revealed that both agencies are struggling to cope with the escalating number of street beggars.
The situation raises questions about why Abuja is witnessing a surge in begging. To gain insight into the lives behind the outstretched hands and pleading eyes, Weekend Trust spoke to several beggars at various busy locations throughout the city.
The responses revealed that many of these individuals hail from troubled regions in northern Nigeria. They have been driven to Abuja due to the adverse effects of insurgency and conflict in their home areas.
Regions such as Niger, Zamfara, Katsina, Nasarawa, Kano, Adamawa, and Borno have been severely impacted, leading to a significant number of people seeking refuge and opportunities in the capital.
The struggle for survival on the streets of Abuja is a harsh reality for many. Each beggar has a unique story, often filled with hardship and loss, yet they share a common goal: to find a way to make ends meet.
As the number of beggars continues to rise, it poses challenges for city officials and social services. The growing visibility of begging in Abuja calls for a comprehensive approach to address the underlying issues driving this phenomenon.
The complexity of the situation requires not only immediate assistance but also long-term solutions to tackle poverty and provide support for those affected by conflict.
Efforts must be made to create opportunities for rehabilitation and reintegration into society, ensuring that individuals are not left to fend for themselves on the streets.
Ultimately, the plight of beggars in Abuja serves as a poignant reminder of the broader social issues facing the city and the need for collective action to address them.
By understanding the circumstances that lead individuals to beg, we can begin to formulate strategies that foster hope and improve the lives of those in need.
