The Nasarawa State Government has disclosed that the state has a whooping 63,356 almajiris (street beggars) across the state. Out of this number, 40,000 are not indigenes of Nasarawa State.
Therefore, following the signing into law of the Executive Order banning street begging in the state by Governor Abdullahi Sule, the government has concluded arrangements, to deport close to 30, 000 almajiri, under the age of 10 who are not indigenes of the state.
This is to reconnect them with their families in their various states of origin.
The Nasarawa State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Jabiru, disclosed this while briefing journalists after the Executive Council meeting at the Government House, Lafia, on Wednesday.
“You will agree with me that since the assumption of His Excellency, Engineer Abdullahi Sule as the Governor of Nasarawa State, he has shown some concern and worry about the way and manner our children are left on the streets, under aged children for that matter, being abused and neglected,” she said.
According to her, children who are 10 years and above, government will allow them to continue to remain in the state but under strict supervision, stressing that government will make sure such almajiris obtain both formal and informal education.
Hajiya Jabiru further disclosed that the Ministries of Women Affairs, Justice and Education, will take up the mater towards ensuring that the 40,000 indigenous almajiris that will be allowed in Tsangaya schools, also obtain western education.
The Commissioner however, threatened that any breach in the law will be dealt with decisively by his administration.
She expressed optimism that very soon, street beggars will no more be seen in the streets of Nasarawa State.
