The Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), conducted a raid on Wednesday at Aroma under bridge in a bid to eradicate the persistent issue of child begging in the area.
Addressing journalists after the operation, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, expressed deep concern that school-age children are being denied their right to education and instead exploited as beggars and petty thieves by unscrupulous individuals. This is happening despite Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s provision of free basic education in the state.
Mrs. Obinabo stressed that the state government will not tolerate such activities anywhere within Anambra, and is committed to tracking down those responsible for sending these children to beg. She also noted that similar raids will be carried out across the state.
On his part, the Managing Director of ACTDA, Mr. Ossy Onuko, explained that these beggars and other miscreants had repeatedly been warned, both through conventional and social media channels, to vacate the city, but they failed to comply.
Mr. Onuko emphasized that the authorities are determined to identify and prosecute the parents, guardians, and syndicates behind the exploitation of these children. He reiterated that the raid is part of an ongoing effort to rid the area, which is a key governmental zone, as well as other parts of the Awka Capital Territory, of beggars and other miscreants.
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