Police deny arresting beggars in Borno

The Borno State police command has denied arresting beggars on the streets of Maiduguri, the state capital.

Rather it said the command was concerned about the eyesore created on the streets of the metropolis.

According to a statement from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO),Victor Isuku, “our attention has been drawn to a media report doing the rounds that the command has commenced the arrest of street beggars in Maiduguri.

“This report is far from the truth. For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record in proper perspective, the Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, in his wisdom and foresight, observed that the activities of street beggars, especially at Damboa road traffic light junction, is not only constituting public nuisance, but also a security risk considering the calibre of motorists that ply that route.

“He, therefore, directed the divisional police officer in charge of the area to take proactive measures to curb the activities of these beggars as well as to deter any troublemaker.

“The presence of policemen in that area is, therefore, not unconnected with that directive. This is to control the traffic situation which usually extends from Bolori Roundabout to Damboa Road junction,’’ the statement read.