Oyo govt begins crackdown on environmental safety violations, relocates beggars, destitute persons 

By Adejayan Gbenga 

The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to rid Ibadan of street beggars and destitutes through a coordinated enforcement operation involving security and environmental agencies.

The exercise, carried out on Thursday, was conducted by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, the Nigeria Police Force, Amotekun Corps, and the Environmental Task Force.

The operation targeted major areas within the Beere, Mapo, and Oja’ba axis of Ibadan and was led by the Chairman of the Oyo State Environmental Task Force, retired Deputy Commissioner of Police Francis Ojomo.

During the exercise, several destitutes and street beggars were apprehended and evacuated to the Internally Displaced and Destitute Home in Akinyele Local Government Area for profiling and rehabilitation.

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority, Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (retd.), said the operation formed part of the government’s commitment to maintaining public order and environmental cleanliness, adding that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde remained committed to creating a cleaner, safer, and more organised environment across the state.

According to her, the presence of destitutes and beggars on roads and public walkways poses safety, environmental, and sanitation concerns. She therefore urged residents to support government efforts by discouraging street begging and cooperating with enforcement agencies.

“The activities of street beggars and destitutes obstruct free movement and undermine environmental standards and public safety,” she said.

Western Post confirmed that similar operations would continue across Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State as part of ongoing measures to improve public safety and environmental sanitation.