By Sodiq Yusuf
As residents of the State of Osun continue to grapple with the socio-economic effects of the Coronavirus pandemic, there has been a sudden rise in the rate of street begging across the state.
Checks by OSUN DEFENDER reporter who has monitored the trend in the last few weeks revealed that since the gradual easing of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the novel virus in May, some residents have resorted to street begging.
Noticeable in all parts of the state are roadside beggars, who accost unsuspecting members of the public on their ways in major locations to solicit financial assistance.
It was observed that the beggars range from children, to old men and women; nursing mothers inclusive.
It was also gathered that the beggars have also resorted to positioning themselves at strategic locations such as commercial banks, beside P.O.S. operators, Automated Teller Machine (ATM) points among others.
A resident of Ile-Ife, Mrs. Shayo Omoniyi who expressed displeasure over the development told OSUN DEFENDER that on the average; about 5 street beggars accost her anytime she visits the ATM point, especially after the lockdown.
While condemning the action of the beggars, Omoniyi noted that the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have resulted to loss of jobs and other businesses; with its attendant effects on the survival of the people.
She said: “Of course, street begging is not something good. But if you sincerely look at the situation of things currently, people are finding it hard to eat. Most businesses are yet to reopen and jobs have been lost, that is why I think the situation is turning this way.
“People approach me to give them money everyday, but the situation is alarming. I think the government should find something to do about it.”
Adebayo Abimbola, who is a social analyst, corroborated Omoniyi’s view.
Abimbola narrated how he nearly went into a free-for-all with two children who insisted he gave them money after using the ATM in one of the new generation banks in Ogo-Oluwa area of Osogbo.
He said: “Immediately I left the ATM and I was trying to enter my car, two young girls approached me. In my estimation, they are in the range of 9-12 years. They demanded I gave them money to eat. I was not willing to give at first, but rescinded my decision.
“I had wanted to give them N500 but had N1000. I told them there was no change but they told me I should give them the N1000. I was infuriated and had to tell them I was not ready to give again.
“They insisted they won’t let me leave without giving them money. In fact, they were not disposed to taking the N500. They wanted me to still give them more after releasing the N1000 to them. The situation is worrisome.
“Government should help to provide jobs and open up other sectors of the economy. We have to live with COVID-19. The pandemic will not end anytime soon. We should let other people resume their businesses so as not to encourage theft.”
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, a Public Affairs analyst, Elder Sunday Oladeji urged government to urgently intervene in the situation before it deteriorates into other worse vices.
Elder Oladeji maintained that with the rising trend, it would be difficult to curb all social vices that may breed with the current situations.
“If the rising trend of street begging is not resolved anytime soon, we might soon be recording a spike in armed robbery cases in the state. Criminal activities will also resume in large scale. If you look at the statistics, the scourge of rape cases has increased. This will also breed other social vices if it is not checked as appropriate.
“We are all affected economically and socially by COVID-19. We should all try and encourage ourselves to make a decent living rather than begging. Government should also try as much as possible to ensure that relief initiatives are extended to the people most importantly the less privileged and vulnerable”, he said.