Jutha Gupah
The Borno State Government; has set up mobile courts to prosecute beggars that solicit for alms at traffic light junctions of Maiduguri metropolis. Street begging has; exposed many women and children to risks of trafficking in persons and other abuses in the state. In a statement Sunday in Maiduguri, Spokesman of Borno State Police Command, Usman Usmobik said: “The court is to try anyone caught in the act of street begging and sundry vices within the metropolis. “The state government and police observe with dismay the recalcitrance of persons involved in the said acts.” According to him, street begging exposes many children and women to risks of trafficking and other abuses. He said it is against this background that the police commissioner, Mohammed Aliyu has warned against public nuisance. He said that street begging however; contravenes relevant provisions of penal code and other extant law. “They should desist forthwith or face the wrath of law,” he warned. He said the police would not fold its arms to jeopardise the hard earned peace and security in the state. He therefore urged parents to control and monitor their children and wards or faces the wrath of law. “We call on citizens to go about their lawful engagements; and report all actions that contravene the law,” said Usmobik. According to him, with effect from Monday, August 5, 2019, any person found begging will be arrested for prosecution.
