Lagos State residents have been advised to be wary of those who pose as beggars, especially in traffic because their ‘aim is to perpetrate evil’. The Chairman of the state Task Force on Environmental and Other Special Offences (Enforcement Unit), Superintendent of Police (SP) Olubukola Abe, who gave the advice, said the government had received reports on the activities of such persons. Abe said the task force was going to beam its searchlight on the destitute, beggars, hawkers, etc.
The chairman added that his organisation would fully enforce the provisions of the law restricting street trading in the Lagos metropolis. He said: “We have had reports on the activities of persons who pose as beggars, especially in traffic, but their sole aim is to perpetrate evil.”
Abe, who urged residents to refrain from patronising street traders, also appealed to Lagosians to be safety conscious and ensure they seek spaces in various markets designated for trading. He said: “There is no way any responsible government will allow street trading to continue after providing stalls in designated market places all over the state.” Abe added that aside ensuring security, the new drive would also reduce traffic congestion on the road, often caused by the activities of street traders.
