By Milcah Tanimu

Residents in the urban centers of Kaduna, Katsina, and Kano have raised alarms over the increasing number of street beggars, describing the trend as a threat to social security and public health.

In interviews; locals in these states have highlighted the surge in street begging, pointing out that it has become rampant in government offices, banks, eateries, markets, shopping malls, road intersections, and traffic lights.

The influx of people from rural to urban areas has exacerbated the situation, leading to a significant increase in the number of beggars, including children, women, and men. Some beggars plead for money, while others scavenge for leftover food, especially near eateries.

One such beggar, Ms. Fati Isa, a displaced mother of three, shared that she resorted to street begging after losing her property in a bandit attack. Similarly, Sunusi Abubakar, a 67-year-old resident of Hotoro quarters in Kano, turned to begging to support his two wives and 13 children after losing his business capital.

“I normally go begging with two of my grandchildren while my wives beg in other areas. I earn about N2,000 on good days like Fridays and Mondays,” he said.

Other beggars, like Rakiya Ishaku and Baba Kande, who fled bandit attacks in their villages in Kankara and Shema Local Government Areas of Katsina State, have also taken to the streets. Kande lamented that she had no family or job to support her, forcing her into begging.

Experts attribute the rise in street begging to poverty, the high cost of living, and insecurity, which has displaced thousands in the North-East and North-West regions. They argue that this trend negatively impacts education, health, and child protection, as well as the social and economic development of these states.

Muhammad Ali, a Kaduna-based social analyst, pointed to economic hardship and insecurity as primary causes of the increase in urban beggars. “It is unfortunate that most of the women and children beggars are not IDPs; they have parents in the town but cannot afford to feed themselves. The current economic hardship is increasing the rate of poverty in society, leading to a high number of out-of-school children, which is a serious social problem,” he said. Ali urged the government to adopt proactive measures to combat poverty and enhance food security.

Mrs. Kafayat Ayomide, an eatery operator in Kaduna, expressed concern over the large number of beggars who disrupt her business daily. She called for measures to control inflation and empower people to address the street begging issue. “Prices of food items and essential commodities are increasing daily, thereby reducing the purchasing power of the people and depleting the capital base of businesses,” she said.

Islamic cleric Malam Abubakar Aliyu emphasized that Islam discourages begging, suggesting that while people may seek assistance, they should not rely on begging as a means of livelihood.

In response to the crisis, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf has released N260 million for disbursement to 5,200 women as part of a youth and women empowerment program. Each beneficiary will receive N50,000 to start their own businesses, aiming to mitigate the economic hardship experienced by many. Governor Yusuf plans to continue this initiative monthly to reduce poverty in the state.