Published 23rd Feb, 2022

By Lolade Olu-Ojegbeje

The Delta State Government has arrested 28 beggars for allegedly violating the law that prohibits street begging in the state.

Oghenwkevwe Agas, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Community Development and Social Welfare, told news men on Tuesday that six women and 22 girls were arrested, according to PUNCH.

Agas said the beggars were arrested by the International Federation of Female Lawyers in Warri and handed over to the state government for prosecution for child labour and trafficking.

“Delta has a law that regulates child labour and trafficking and the law will take its cause. The six women who had earlier disguised as blind persons used the children to beg for alms,” she said.

“We have made contacts and we are not alone; the FIDA and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Person are with us in this regard.

”The 22 children were used as beggars instead of allowing them to go to school. They have been rescued and some of their parents have been contacted and they will soon be reunited with the families.”

Agas also said the women refused to enroll the children in school, after taking them from their parents, but used them as beggars.

“Their action violates the state Child Right Act and they would be prosecuted,” said Agas.

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