Residents of Asaba, the capital of Delta State, are raising alarm over the growing presence of street beggars, particularly women and children from the Fulani community and other Northern regions. The surge in begging activities has become increasingly visible in key areas, including the Koka underbridge, bustling market squares, and the Ibusa junction.
Eyewitnesses report that many of these beggars strategically position themselves in high-traffic zones, often sending children ahead to approach passersby for alms. Local sources suggest that most of them are not indigenous to Asaba but have migrated from northern states in search of better economic opportunities.
Experts attribute this rising trend to severe economic hardship, lack of formal education, and limited access to basic social amenities. While some residents fear the situation could escalate into public safety concerns and tarnish Asaba’s growing reputation as a business hub, others are calling for a more compassionate approach. Advocacy groups emphasize the need for government intervention through welfare programs aimed at uplifting marginalized communities.
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“We understand the struggles these people face, especially in urban areas. Instead of pushing them away, authorities should focus on sustainable solutions that provide them with better opportunities,” a concerned citizen stated.
In response to the situation, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Princess Pat Ajudua, recently led a government task force to remove street beggars and homeless children from major roads in Asaba. However, with the numbers continuing to rise, many believe a long-term strategy is urgently needed to address the root causes of this social crisis.
As this concert continues to grow, residents are appealing to the government to take decisive action to curtail the tide before it escalates into a security challenge.
