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Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, has defended his recent efforts to reduce the number of beggars in Abuja, arguing that some could act as informants for terrorists.
Naija News recalls that in October, Wike announced a “war on beggars” to prevent Abuja from becoming “a city of beggars,” sparking criticism from those who feel the move ignores the severe poverty affecting many Nigerians.
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) even threatened to take legal action if the Minister proceeded with his plan.
Addressing these criticisms during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Wike explained that the crackdown was necessary to address security threats in the capital.
He warned that some individuals posing as beggars may actually be informants, gathering intelligence for criminal purposes.
The minister also pointed out that no country has completely eradicated poverty, suggesting that poverty alone should not be used as a justification for security risks.
Wike said, “There is nowhere in this world where you can say employment has been provided for everybody. Tell me one country that has been able to solve the problem of poverty.
“We are talking about security threats and they are saying because of poverty. We should stop using poverty as an excuse for security threats.
“Do you know that you can just see somebody sitting on the side of your house, pretending to be a beggar, but he is an informant.
“He will be giving out information of when you are going out and when you are coming in.”
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