- According to a local resident, some of the escapees sought food and shoes from members of the host community
At least 20 beggars recently picked up from the streets of Abuja have reportedly escaped from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Rehabilitation Centre in Kuchiko-Bwari, located on the outskirts of Bwari town.
The incident occurred on Sunday night, with the escapees allegedly breaching a fence at the back of the facility to flee.
According to a local resident, some of the escapees sought food and shoes from members of the host community, claiming they left the Centre due to poor treatment and lack of adequate food.
Despite increased police presence at the facility, the beggars managed to avoid security by bypassing the main gate.
When City & Crime visited the Centre, officials refused to comment, citing civil service regulations prohibiting them from speaking to the media without permission.
This incident follows the recent killing of the Centre’s principal by unidentified assailants. However, Peter Olumuji, Secretary of the Command and Control Centre of the FCT Taskforce, denied that any inmates had escaped, stating that security had been strengthened.
He noted that the beggars are brought to the Centre for profiling and rehabilitation, with plans to repatriate those unwilling to stay to their states of origin.
Olumuji also assured that the FCT Social Development Secretariat is responsible for the welfare of the inmates and is committed to addressing their needs.