Oyo State House of Assembly Mandates Immediate Evacuation of Destitute Persons to Prevent Humanitarian and Security Crisis

Oyo State House of Assembly urges government to evacuate and rehabilitate destitute persons to avoid a humanitarian crisis. Read about the new social motion.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 18, 2026, 8:46 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Peoples Gazette

Legislative Push for Urban Decongestion

The Oyo State House of Assembly has formally signaled its concern over the rising population of destitute individuals occupying major thoroughfares and public spaces. During a plenary session on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, lawmakers urged the state government to initiate an immediate evacuation exercise to restore order to the streets. According to reports from the News Agency of Nigeria, the legislative body expressed that while previous efforts by the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion were noted, the current influx requires a more aggressive and sustained intervention to maintain the state's urban integrity.

Identifying Humanitarian and Security Risks

The motion, spearheaded by Babajide Adebayo of Ibadan North II, highlighted that the presence of the destitute on road medians and in local markets is no longer merely a social issue but a multifaceted threat. Adebayo warned that leaving the situation unchecked could lead to a significant humanitarian crisis, citing increased risks to public health and environmental sanitation. Furthermore, the assembly noted that these vulnerable populations often congregate in areas that create security vulnerabilities, potentially serving as cover for criminal activities or creating safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians alike.

A Strategy Beyond Simple Removal

Recognizing the complexity of homelessness and destitution, the assembly advocated for a transition toward long-term social engineering rather than temporary displacement. The motion recommended that the Oyo State government establish clear pathways for the rehabilitation and relocation of affected individuals. Lawmakers suggested that integrating these persons back into society would require a robust framework of skill-acquisition programs and educational initiatives. The goal, according to the legislative proposal, is to empower the destitute to become self-reliant, effectively breaking the cycle of street life and urban poverty.