By Favour Ogwu
ASABA/Nigeria: A growing crisis is gripping the heart of Koka in Asaba, Delta State, where a concerning increase in child begging and general disorderliness has become an everyday reality. Alarming reports indicate that not only homeless children, primarily from the northern regions, resort to begging, but local children are now equally embroiled in this unsettling phenomenon. Residents in the area have become witnesses to a disturbing scene where countless children have forsaken their education to spend their entire days soliciting on the streets of Koka, eventually seeking shelter under the bridge when night falls.
Mrs. Nwankwor Angela, a resident and trader in Koka, expressed her dismay over the plight of these beggar children. She revealed that these youngsters are often vulnerable to exploitation by drivers and local touts, resulting in early pregnancies for the girls and, in some instances, pushing the boys towards substance abuse.
Mrs. Nwankwor passionately implores the government to step in and address this growing crisis by providing assistance to these children and reenrolling them in schools. She believes that such intervention is crucial to safeguard their future.
Mr. Aghanti Samuel, a tricycle driver operating in Koka, joins the chorus of concern. He highlighted the hazardous conditions that residents and commuters in Koka face due to a lack of road signs, which has led to reckless driving and frequent accidents. The persistent discord among drivers only adds to the chaos and noise in the area. Moreover, the recently constructed flyover, meant to alleviate traffic, has now become a makeshift shelter for the homeless, leading to the unsightly littering of the environment.
Mr. Aghanti echoes the call for governmental action, emphasizing the immediate need for designated parking spaces and adequate road signage. He also urges the government to address the issue of people taking shelter under the bridge to mitigate accidents and maintain a cleaner and healthier environment in Koka.
The accumulating concerns over child begging and the general disorderliness in Koka, Asaba, Delta State, cannot be ignored any longer. With residents like Mrs. Nwankwor Angela and Mr. Aghanti Samuel passionately advocating for the welfare of these vulnerable children and the overall betterment of the community, it is high time for the government to heed their calls and take meaningful steps to address these pressing issues. The future of the next generation and the overall well-being of Koka hang in the balance.
