Despite Minister Wike’s Order, Roadside, Beggars, and urchins Remain on Abuja Streets

Almost three weeks after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, issued an order for roadside hawkers, street urchins, and beggars to vacate the streets or face arrest, many remain defiant and continue their activities.

Kristina Reports has discovered that nearly three weeks after the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, directed roadside hawkers, street urchins, and beggars to leave the streets or risk arrest, a significant number have ignored the order and persist in their activities.

In a similar pattern, beggars, who had briefly vacated their usual spots in the city, have returned to their trade, disregarding the minister’s warning of arrest and placement in a rehabilitation center.

Investigations reveal that the bold traders and hawkers have intensified their illegal activities around Airport Junction, the Katampe area near Winners Chapel Junction, where ongoing road construction has narrowed the road, creating an ideal space for displaying goods to motorists and commuters.

Persistent hawkers and beggars are exploiting the speed bumps installed by the construction company to slow down motorists, using the opportunity to continue their trade.

They are also operating fully at the Dawaki bypass, near the Galadimawa entrance to Gwarinpa estate, and at various bus stops along the route to Kubwa.

Also, at Apo Mechanic axis of the FCT on Wednesday and Thursday, a similar pattern was noticed: desperate individuals crowded around motorists at key intersections to either sell goods or beg for alms.

Beggars who spoke to Kristina Reports stated that they have no alternative source of income and will continue begging as long as Minister Wike does not apprehend them.

Abdulhazeez said ‘I dont have any other thing to do. The carpenter work i used to do before I no longer have money to continue but I have to feed my children so I have to beg. I will continue to beg as long as Wike does not catch me.”

It was unclear at the time of this report whether Wike’s task force had been disbanded or if the minister had instructed them to stand down for now.

Recall that the FCT Minister had warned that anyone found trading or begging on the streets of Abuja after October 28, 2024, would face strict action.