The Kogi State Government on Wednesday repatriated 78 beggars to five northern states in the country.
The evacuation was not done to discriminate against the beggars, however, to rid the streets of the state capital of beggars, the State Government said.
Speaking to newsmen, Kogi State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajiya Fatima Kabir Buba said the beggars were evacuated from different parts of Lokoja metropolis, including Old Market, Zango, Ganaja Village, and Obasanjo Square and repatriated to Katsina , Kaduna, Kano , Bauchi, and Zamfara states.
He said the State Government made adequate arrangements to ensure that they are transported to their respective location with utmost respect and dignity.
Before the government transported them back to their home states and local governments of origin with six buses, we took them first to the ministry’s rehabilitation centre, fed them and provided all the basic needs that will enable them start normal life like every other citizen of the country.
He made assurances that the Kogi Government is committed to catering for Nigerian citizen irrespective of their place of origin.
This action of ours should not be misconstrued. The government under the leadership of Alhaji Yahaya Bello remains committed to providing for the less-privileged without any form of discrimination in the state.”