Oyo govt, security agencies clear Ibadan streets of destitutes, beggars
BY STEPHEN GBADAMOSI
The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and the Environmental Task Force, carried out a joint clearance and enforcement operation on destitutes and street beggars in Ibadan main city earlier Thursday evening.
The operation was led by retired the chairman of the Environmental Task Force, Oyo State, Francis Ojomo, a retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP).
Key officials on ground included the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA chairperson, Iyabode Enitan Akinbode.
A statement by the state Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, on Thursday, said the exercise covered key areas, including the Beere – Mapo – Oja’ba access routes.
During the exercise, scores of destitutes and beggars constituting environmental and public order impediments were apprehended.
The individuals, who filled up two high-capacity buses, were transported to the Internally Displaced and Destitute Home in Akinyele Local Government Area for proper profiling, care, and rehabilitation.
Speaking on the operation, the chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (rtd.), reaffirmed the authority’s stance against indiscriminate street begging and the unlawful occupation of public spaces.
She noted that the activities of destitutes and beggars on major roads and walkways posed serious environmental challenges, obstructed free movement, and compromised public safety and hygiene.
Justice Aderemi emphasised that a cleaner, safer, and more orderly environment is critical to the vision of the Oyo State government under Governor Seyi Makinde.
She urged members of the public to desist from encouraging street begging and to cooperate with enforcement agencies in maintaining order across the state.
The joint operation, according to the authority, would be sustained to ensure that Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State remained clean, safe, and conducive for residents, visitors, and businesses.
