SERAP urges Wike to withdraw threat to arrest beggars in Abuja

The Socio-Economic Rights Accountability Project (SERAP), on Wednesday, condemned Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s threat to arrest beggars in Abuja, urging him to withdraw the statement or face legal action.

Wike had announced that enforcement agents would start apprehending beggars from Monday, giving them until Sunday to leave the streets.

During the flag-off ceremony for access road construction in Katampe District on Tuesday, Wike stated, “Let me state clearly that we have declared war; Abuja is turning into a beggar city. If you know you have a sister or brother who is a beggar, please, from next week, we will take them away. It is embarrassing that people will come in and the first thing they will see are just beggars on the road.”

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He claimed some beggars might be criminals pretending to be in need.

But SERAP countered that no one should be criminalized for their socio-economic status.

In a post on their official X handle, @SerapNigeria, they emphasized that Wike should provide opportunities for beggars to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.

“Rather than arresting and cracking down on beggars, Mr. Wike should provide them with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and fully integrate into society while respecting their dignity and human rights”.

SERAP stressed that Wike must address the root causes of poverty and violations of economic and social rights of marginalized individuals in Abuja. “Mr. Wike must address the plight of those experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty in Abuja and not demonize and criminalize them.”

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