In its sustained effort to promote social welfare and safeguard vulnerable groups, the Delta State Government has embarked on an evacuation and rehabilitation exercise for street children and destitute persons across the state capital.
The exercise, aimed at tackling the growing number of persons roaming the streets, was spearheaded by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, Hon. Pat Ajudua, and executed by a Special Task Force under the ministry’s supervision.
Speaking after the operation, Hon. Ajudua explained that the government had established rehabilitation centres where rescued persons are temporarily housed, profiled, and given basic care before being reunited with their families or returned to their states of origin.
According to her, “If they are from Delta, we rehabilitate them. But if they are from other states, such as Niger, Anambra, Imo, and so on, we make sure they are sent back home. Where contact cannot be made immediately, we keep them temporarily before repatriation.”
She noted that the ministry’s duty is to ensure that children are not left on the streets, describing the trend as both “socially and morally wrong.”
The Commissioner also condemned residents who distribute food to street beggars in the name of charity or birthday celebrations.
“It is absolutely wrong. If you want to celebrate your birthday, go to an orphanage. There are recognised orphanage homes registered with the Ministry of Women Affairs.
‘’Nobody should encourage the destitutes and children to be on the road. It is morally wrong and criminal to do so,” she stressed.
Ajudua disclosed that some of those apprehended were ex-convicts, while others were destitute or minors exploited for street hawking.
She added that the ministry would continue to intensify operations to rid Delta streets of such cases, warning that “children should be in school, not on the streets.”
During the operation, several children were apprehended. One of them, a young boy from Niger State, said his father was dead and he did not know the whereabouts of his mother. Another child, 12-year-old Chukwuemeka from Anambra State, who sells sachet water, said he had no family or guardian in the area. Similarly, Divine, from Imo State, explained that he “hustles on his own” to survive, adding that his father, a pastor, was unable to provide for him.
Some residents interviewed during the exercise confirmed the rising number of minors on the streets, expressing fears over petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing.
A resident, Mr Ifeanyi, said, “Some of the children were allegedly involved in petty crimes such as theft and pickpocketing.” Another community leader, Comrade Mokobia from Asaba, lamented that some parents were unaware of their children’s activities. “Many of them wear school uniforms at home, but once they leave, they change into other clothes and go to sell or beg,” he said.
Hon. Ajudua further urged Deltans to support the government’s efforts by reporting suspicious gatherings or the presence of minors in unsafe areas.
