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The Child rights advocates in Ibadan Zone 1 of Oyo State have raised concern over the rising number of children begging for alms along major highways and motor parks across the state.
The alarm was raised in a communiqué issued at the end of the 2026 strategic meeting of the Child Protection Network (CPN), Ibadan Zone 1. The communiqué was jointly signed by the Zonal Coordinator, Comrade Jadesola Ajibola, and the Secretary, Comrade Lawal Omolabake.
The group expressed worry that street begging has increasingly become a source of livelihood for some individuals who allegedly exploit children for financial gains.
According to the advocates, the development exposes children to serious dangers, including sexual abuse, exploitation, accidents, and other social vices.
The network unanimously called for the removal of children from unsafe environments and urged stakeholders to intensify efforts to curb the growing menace, which they noted has contributed to the rise in out-of-school children in the state.
CPN urged security agencies to apprehend and prosecute individuals exploiting children under relevant provisions of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law and the Child’s Rights Act.
The advocates also called on the Oyo State House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, to enact stronger laws and policies to address street begging and improve child safety across the state.
They further urged key ministries — including Health, Education, Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Youth and Sports, Establishment and Training, and Chieftaincy Matters to collaborate with relevant stakeholders in tackling the issue.
“It is no longer news that children seen begging on the streets, particularly in motor parks, are exposed to sexual harassment and abuse,” the communiqué stated.
The group called on journalists and security agencies saddled with child protection responsibilities to investigate such cases and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice under Oyo State laws.
The network also appealed to the state government to provide comprehensive social support for homeless children, including food, education, and healthcare services, while empowering parents economically to reduce vulnerability.
The communiqué warned that children living on the streets are vulnerable to assault, social ills, accidents, and criminal exploitation.
It noted that reports indicate some street children are recruited by criminal elements for activities such as spying, armed robbery, kidnapping, and ritual-related crimes.
The advocates therefore called on all stakeholders to take urgent action ahead of the 2026 International Day for Street Children scheduled for April 2026.
