City & Crime reports that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, recently ordered a thorough cleanup of Abuja, targeting beggars, scavengers, and others considered to be affecting the city’s sanitation. The minister had previously warned beggars to leave the streets by last Sunday or face arrest, and the crackdown began on Monday with officials stating the operation would span two weeks.
In response to the ongoing clampdown, some beggars, particularly those with disabilities, staged a protest. They expressed their frustrations during a visit to the Media Trust Group, publisher of Trust Newspaper, Trust TV, and Trust Radio, under the umbrella of the Arewa Freedom of the Blind Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Abuja chapter.
Auwal I. Alhassan, speaking on behalf of the group, criticized the FCTA for failing to engage with them or address their concerns before issuing the eviction order. He remarked, “If you’re removing people from the streets, communicate this properly, especially to those of us with disabilities. Some of us were employed before, but the same government dismissed us. Now they’re pushing us out without offering proper shelter. Are we not Nigerians with equal rights to life?”
Alhassan also pointed out that aside from SERAP, no NGOs, civil society organizations, or religious groups had shown support or assistance in their plight.
He alleged that those arrested were held in poor conditions at the FCT Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari, lacking basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. “They chased us like we were animals. Over 200 of our members have been detained at the rehabilitation center. We have a constitutional right to live freely wherever we choose.
“Many among us hold degrees and NCE certificates, but the government refuses to provide jobs, treating us as disposable. Meanwhile, bandits, terrorists, and kidnappers continue to operate without restraint. It’s shocking that the enforcement team included military personnel who should be focusing on the real security threats facing our nation,” he added.
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