Sir, the streets of Owerri municipal have been taken over by beggars with various forms of disabilities. Involved are men, women and children begging for a living.
There is a pathetic case of a boy with a hunch back. At times, he is either too weak or unwilling to solicit arms which will keep him going into another day of pain and suffering. The irony is that wealthy ones who could offer these beggars something more reasonable are in moving vehicles. The poor pedestrians they encounter daily are themselves deprived and cannot do much to assist them.
I understand some of these beggars are not Nigerians but nationals ofNigeria’s Northern neighbours whose population are always in transit. Generally, adverse weather conditions, war and famine fuel their migration from their countries of origin.
I call on the appropriate government ministry to intervene and classify these foreign beggars with a view to identifying their nationalities. Being a Muslim, the Chief Imam of Imo state, Alhaji Sheikh Dauda Anozie Onyeagocha should be mobilized towards identifying their relations or countrymen within Owerri.
John Ogu
Mbaitoli
