The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its readiness to rid the state of beggars in its bid to promote healthy living and hygienic environment.
The government announced on Thursday that it had evacuated nine beggars from the General Gas Bridge, Akobo Road in Ibadan.
It was gathered that those who were evacuated had been taken to rehabilitation centres in the state for medical screening.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Dr Abdulateef Oyeleke, while on an enforcement mission to evacuate beggars and homeless people during the week, said the impact of begging and destitution was disturbing.
According to him, the situation has negative effects on the health and socio-economic development of the state.
Oyedele said, “Beggars and the destitute are known to be suffering from diverse chronic illnesses. In some instances, many of them have been victims of rape and rituals among other vices.
“One of the ways of reducing the menace is by getting them required medical attention and also equipping them with necessary vocational skills.”
