FCTA to start picking beggars on Abuja streets on Monday — Wike

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has issued a warning to roadside beggars to desist from the act or risk being arrested by enforcement agents.

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, disclosed this during the official flag-off ceremony of the construction of an access road from Ring 1 by N16 to Judges quarters and roads within the quarters in Katample District of Abuja on Tuesday.

He lamented that the number of people who stay on the road is alarming, which poses a threat to security in the metropolis.

He then issued an October 27, 2024, ultimatum to the concerned parties to vacate the streets.

He called on their families and relatives to take them off the street before officials of the FCT Administration commence full enforcement next week, Monday in particular.

According to him, the focus of the administration is not only limited to the provision of infrastructure but also to providing security for the residents and visitors.

Wike said, “Yes, we are providing infrastructure in Abuja, and security is not left out. We can’t allow beggars all over the place, some of them are criminals and informants to criminals, it is an embarrassment to the territory, especially to visitors.

“We are now calling on their families and relatives to take them off the street; they have till Sunday to leave the streets.

“The government is providing infrastructure and fighting insecurity; we can’t allow people to be a threat to security; from now till Sunday is a holiday for them.”

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