Police deny arresting beggars in Maiduguri

The Borno State Police Command yesterday denied media reports that its officials arrested some street beggars in Maiduguri.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Victor Isuku, said in a statement that the reports were, “far from the truth as day and night” were far from each other.

He said the police were however, worried, about the conduct of beggars at traffic light road junctions and other locations in the state where there are heavy movements.

Isuku explained that the state Commissioner of Police, Damian Chukwu, had already deployed policemen in all such locations, but added that no arrest had been made.

“The Commissioner of Police in his wisdom observed that the activities of street beggars, especially at Damboa traffic light junction not only constituted public nuisance, but were also a security risk, considering the status of motorists that ply the route.

“He, therefore, directed the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in charge of the area to take proactive measures to curb the activities of these beggars, as well as avoid any security risk,” the statement reads.

The PPRO said the presence of policemen in the area was not unconnected with the CP’s directive, as well as the need to control traffic in the area.

The Guardian learnt that the activities of beggars and hawkers had been worrisome in recent times due to the renewed suicide attacks in Maiduguri.