The Lagos State Government has cautioned celebrities, social media influencers, and residents against supporting street urchins, popularly known as agberos, warning that such actions undermine efforts to maintain order in the state.
The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, issued the warning on Sunday via his X (formerly Twitter) account after being tagged in a video showing the activities of agberos across Lagos.
Wahab said the government has consistently carried out operations to remove street urchins from roads and public spaces. However, he noted that financial support and patronage from some members of the public continue to encourage their return.
According to him, such support not only sustains the practice but also creates a sense of entitlement among the street urchins, with some viewing it as a profitable means of livelihood.
He stressed that while the government remains committed to enforcing law and order, residents also have a role to play by avoiding actions that promote street begging, lawlessness, and environmental nuisance.
Wahab urged the public to cooperate with authorities, emphasizing that collective responsibility is key to achieving a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos.
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