Every afternoon, destitute people gather around the Abule-Egba bridge in Lagos to wait for residents who bring cooked food. When the food arrives, those who have been sitting or lying around the bridge often rush towards the donors and turn the distribution into a scramble.
THE WHISTLER observed the scene over several months and found that some residents regularly visit the area to distribute meals to people living around the bridge.
Many of the destitute appear physically weak and wear dirty or unkempt clothes. Some sit or lie on the pavement and edges of the bridge while waiting for food.
Those who appear most feeble are often served first, while others wait for their turn.
But the calm around the bridge changes when the food suppliers arrive. People who had been scattered around the area run towards the donors from different parts of the bridge, each trying to secure a portion.
THE WHISTLER also observed poor sanitary conditions around the area. Some of the destitute urinate and pour water close to where they sit or sleep.
The conditions leave an unpleasant smell around parts of the bridge, particularly for pedestrians and other commuters who pass close to the area.
The continued presence of destitute persons at the bridge comes despite repeated enforcement operations by the Lagos State Government against street begging and destitution.
In June 2026, 515 beggars and destitute persons were apprehended by operatives of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC) during coordinated operations across several parts of Lagos, according to official disclosures reviewed by THE WHISTLER.
The operations covered Oshodi, Agege, CMS, Lagos Island, Ikorodu, Ikeja, Mushin, Alimosho and Falomo.
On July 7, Lagos State Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed that 396 beggars had also been apprehended by LAGESC as part of the state government’s efforts to curb street begging and other illegal activities.
Wahab said those apprehended would be profiled, provided with appropriate assistance where necessary and handed over to relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return to their respective states.
“The apprehended individuals will be profiled, provided with appropriate assistance where necessary, and handed over to the relevant authorities to facilitate their safe return to their respective states.
“This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining public order, protecting the environment, and ensuring a cleaner, safer, and more secure Lagos for all,” he said.
Yet the daily gathering at Abule-Egba bridge continues.
The scene of people waiting for meals, and then rushing towards donors when food arrives, indicates that the people depend on irregular public assistance to meet basic needs.
