Oyo Govt, Security Agencies Clear Ibadan Streets of Beggars, Destitutes

Oyo Govt, Security Agencies Clear Ibadan Streets of Beggars, Destitutes

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, has commenced a coordinated enforcement operation aimed at removing destitute and street beggars from major parts of Ibadan metropolis.

The exercise, carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Nigeria Police Force, the Amotekun Corps, and the Environmental Task Force, took place across key areas of Ibadan Main City on Wednesday evening.

The operation was led by retired Deputy Commissioner of Police, Francis Ojomo, who currently serves as Chairman of the Environmental Task Force in Oyo State.

Officials present during the exercise included the Chief of Staff to the OYRLEA Chairperson, Iyabode Enitan Akinbode.

Areas covered during the enforcement exercise included the Beere, Mapo and Oja’ba access routes, where several destitutes and street beggars were apprehended for allegedly constituting environmental nuisance and obstructing public movement.

According to the state government, the affected individuals, who occupied two high-capacity buses, were transported to the Internally Displaced and Destitute Home in Akinyele Local Government Area for profiling, rehabilitation and welfare support.

Speaking on the exercise, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi, reiterated the government’s commitment to curbing indiscriminate street begging and illegal occupation of public spaces across the state.

She stated that the activities of beggars and destitutes along major roads and walkways pose environmental and public safety concerns, while also hindering free movement and sanitation efforts.

Justice Aderemi added that maintaining a clean, safe and orderly environment remains a key priority of the administration of Seyi Makinde.

She also urged residents to refrain from encouraging street begging and to support government agencies in sustaining law and order in the state.

The government noted that similar enforcement operations would continue across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State as part of ongoing efforts to promote environmental cleanliness, public safety and urban order.