Lagos government warns celebrities against patronising ‘agberos’

Lagos State Government has asked to celebrities, social media influencers and other members of the public to stop encouraging the activities of street urchins, better known as agberos.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, made took to X on Sunday, August 9, to issue the warning. 

His post was in reaction to being tagged in a video documentary depicting the violent actions of street urchins in Lagos. 

Reacting to the footage, Wahab said the state government had repeatedly carried out operations to apprehend and remove street urchins from various locations. 

He, however, noted that the financial assistance and patronage received from some members of the public continue to encourage the agberos. 

He wrote: “The state government has consistently apprehended and dislodged these street urchins from various locations across the state. 

“However, the continued financial support and patronage they receive from some influencers, celebrities, and members of the public, as seen in this video, inadvertently encourage them to return to the streets and, in some cases, view it as a lucrative means of livelihood, while also breeding a sense of entitlement.” 

The commissioner acknowledged that the government has a responsibility to maintain law and order and protect residents, but stressed that the public also has a role to play in addressing the problem. 

Wahab urged residents to avoid actions that could promote street begging, lawlessness, insecurity and activities that create environmental problems on Lagos roads. 

“We urge everyone to desist from activities that may inadvertently encourage lawlessness, insecurity, street begging, and environmental nuisance on our roads.

“Collective responsibility and cooperation are essential to building a safer, cleaner, and more orderly Lagos,” he added.