, led by Minister Nyesom Wike.){kind=link}
The recent crackdown on beggars in Abuja has ignited backlash, particularly from those directly impacted by the actions of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), led by Minister Nyesom Wike.
The FCTA initiated a clean-up operation aimed at removing beggars from the streets, citing the need to maintain order and cleanliness in the city.
However, many beggars, especially individuals with disabilities, have expressed their objections, arguing that the government’s approach is heavy-handed and lacks adequate support or consultation.
Protesting under the banner of the Arewa Freedom of the Blind Multipurpose Cooperative Society, the affected individuals voiced their concerns about the lack of communication and alternative solutions from the FCTA.
Auwal I. Alhassan, a representative of the group, criticized the FCTA’s methods, stating, “If you want to remove people from the streets, especially those with disabilities, there should be proper communication.
Many of us had jobs before, but the government dismissed us. Now they’re forcing us off the streets without providing any proper shelter. Are we not Nigerians? We have equal rights to life.”
Alhassan further noted that aside from the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), no non-governmental organizations, civil societies, or religious groups have offered support during this challenging time.
He also alleged that those arrested during the operation are being held in poor conditions at the FCT Rehabilitation Centre in Bwari, where they reportedly lack essential resources such as food, water, and medical care.