The Kwara State House of Assembly has urged the state government to enforce its Street Begging Prohibition Law to address the negative societal impacts of the practice.

Lawmakers argued that the trend undermines social cohesion and poses security risks. The call followed a motion titled 'Need to Control the Trend of Street Begging in Kwara State and Mitigate Associated Security Risks' , moved by Hon. Abdullahi Halidu Danbaba (APC/Kaiama/Kemanji/Wajibe) during a plenary session on Wednesday.

Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu directed the Secretary to the State Government to establish a committee to investigate the scope, causes, and security implications of street begging. The committee will also propose measures to curb the issue.

Mr Danbaba, while leading the debate, said the growing trend was not only undermining public order but also exposing vulnerable individuals to abuse, trafficking and a threat to the safety and well-being of residents.

Other lawmakers in their contributions urged Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrasaq to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development to set up a community-based task force.

The lawmakers said the taskforce would help to identify, report and support the reintegration of beggars in the society.

Meanwhile, the parliament read a 'Bill to Amend Secret Cults and Secret Societies Prohibition in Kwara for the first time.

The bill, when passed, will impose stiffer penalties for offenders and other related matters.

(NAN)