Aesthetics Of BeggarsAesthetics Of BeggarsBy IKE EGWUATU
There is a category of people who rely on alms to survive. Most of them are stationary while others move from place to place to solicit for alms ranging from money to clothing, food and other materials. Most of those who are stationed at particular spots are disabled. Disability ranges from being blind, to being lame, deaf and dumb.
These disabilities at times justify their begging for alms. With pity and sometimes awe people give what they can afford to these beggars.
Another category is those who are mentally retarded and they have been rejected by their family members. Such people rely on arms to survive.
At times it is inevitable for destitute people and refugees especially those from war torn countries who have lost all their belongings to beg to remain alive. They form the majority of those who move from one area to the other.
Stranded people also beg to get out of difficult situations. “If going by this definition then every one is a beggar” so says a sampled opinion.
As these beggars litter some major streets of Lagos and other cities in Nigeria, a major concern has been drawn from some reasons ranging from the safety of these people and the nuisance which they cause especially to traffic, the decency of the streets and the security threat which most of them cause to unsuspecting people.
A cross section of people who spoke to Metro Beat confirmed the fact that a certain category of beggars are in the habit of dispossessing people of their belongings especially at night.
Nnamdi Chukwurah, a trader revealed his ordeal within the neighborhood of Iganmu where two cripples rolled up to him at night and thinking they were harmless beggars, he failed to be on alert until they took him by surprise. They robbed him at gunpoint dispossessing him of his jewelleries, cash and cell phone.
At Ikeja, Metro Beat observed a situation where a commercial bus driver nearly ran over a crippled beggar while reversing. The warning screaming of people saved the cripple from being crushed to death!
So disturbing is the fact that some of these beggars position themselves at some sensitive places; the entrance of banks and other institutions. In most cases blocking the entrance to such institutions. Metro Beat noticed that some of the beggars at the entrance of a bank at Ojodu were observing people as they withdraw money at the ATM terminal!
Ritual killers take advantage of these people especially when they fall in the last three categories aforementioned. Confirmed reports have revealed that human traffickers see these people as easy prey.
Besides they are victims of various sexual offences like rape and assault.
A city like Lagos should be rid of such people especially with the deterioration of city beauty which they cause. Since these beggars are mostly citizens they are entitled to welfare packages especially from government. The stationary ones should be relocated to special centers where they will be taken care of. Government should not relent even if their efforts are frustrated; especially when these beggars get back to the streets. The strict and constant enforcement of this measure will keep the nation free from the menace of beggars.
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