Oyo advocates demand urgent action to end street begging

Child rights advocates in Ibadan Zone 1, Oyo State, have expressed deep concern over the growing number of children begging along major highways and in motor parks across the state.

The concern was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the 2026 strategic meeting of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Ibadan Zone 1.

The communiqué was jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola, and the Secretary, Comrade Lawal Omolabake.

The group decried what it described as the increasing exploitation of children by individuals who allegedly use street begging as a source of livelihood.

According to the advocates, the trend exposes minors to grave dangers, including sexual abuse, exploitation, road accidents, and other social vices.

The network unanimously called for the immediate removal of children from unsafe environments and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb the menace. It noted that the situation has contributed significantly to the rising number of out-of-school children in the state.

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CPN also called on security agencies to apprehend and prosecute those exploiting children under relevant provisions of Nigerian law, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child’s Rights Act.

The advocates appealed to the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, to enact stronger laws and policies aimed at addressing street begging and enhancing child protection across the state.

They further urged key ministries — Health, Education, Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Youth and Sports, Establishment and Training, and Chieftaincy Matters — to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to tackle the issue comprehensively.

“It is no longer news that children seen begging on the streets, particularly in motor parks, are exposed to sexual harassment and abuse,” the communiqué stated.

The group also called on journalists and security agencies responsible for child protection to investigate reported cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice under Oyo State laws.

In addition, the network appealed to the state government to provide comprehensive social support for homeless children, including access to food, education, and healthcare, while implementing economic empowerment programmes for parents to reduce vulnerability.

The communiqué warned that children living on the streets remain highly susceptible to assault, criminal exploitation, accidents, and other social ills. It cited reports indicating that some street children are recruited by criminal elements for activities such as spying, armed robbery, kidnapping, and ritual-related crimes.

The advocates therefore urged all stakeholders to take decisive action ahead of the 2026 International Day for Street Children scheduled for April.