In a determined effort to curb the rising issue of child begging, the Anambra State Ministry of Women and Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), launched a raid today at the Arroma under bridge, targeting those responsible for exploiting children.
During a press briefing following the operation, the Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs. Ify Obinabo, expressed deep concern over the exploitation of school-aged children, who are being forced into begging and petty theft by unscrupulous individuals. She emphasized that this is unacceptable, especially since Governor Chukwuma Soludo has implemented a policy of free basic education across the state.
Mrs. Obinabo made it clear that the state government will not tolerate such activities and is committed to identifying and prosecuting those behind the child begging syndicates. She also indicated that similar raids will be carried out across the state to address this issue.
Mr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority, echoed these sentiments, noting that despite multiple warnings through conventional and social media, the beggars and miscreants had refused to leave the area. He stressed the importance of holding accountable the parents, guardians, and syndicates responsible for sending these children out to beg.
Mr. Onuko underscored the commitment of the authorities to make the raids a continuous effort to ensure that not only the Arroma under bridge but the entire Awka Capital Territory is cleared of beggars and other miscreants.
