The Kwara House of Assembly has urged the state government to ensure enforcement of the state’s Street Begging Prohibition Law.

The lawmakers said this was to curb the ugly trend and its negative consequences on society.

The plea was sequel to the resolutions of the House on a Motion of Notice titled ‘Need to Control the Trend of Street Begging in Kwara State and Mitigate the Associated Security Risk’.

The motion was moved by Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (APC/Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe) during the plenary on Wednesday.

While reading the resolutions of the House, the speaker, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, implored the office of the secretary to the state government to set up a committee to assess the scope, causes and security implications of street begging.

He said the committee should develop measures to help mitigate the menace in society.

Mr Danbaba, while leading the debate, said the growing trend was not only undermining public order but also exposing vulnerable individuals to abuse, trafficking and a threat to the safety and well-being of residents.

Other lawmakers in their contributions urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development to set up a community-based task force.

The lawmakers said the taskforce would help to identify, report and support the reintegration of beggars in the society.

Meanwhile, the parliament read a ‘Bill to Amend Secret Cults and Secret Societies Prohibition in Kwara for the first time.

The bill, when passed, will impose stiffer penalties for offenders and other related matters. 

(NAN)