The Lagos State Government on Wednesday said it had removed no less than 1 ,680 beggars and mentally - challenged persons from Lagos streets in the last one year .
It added that about 162 children were taken off the streets in the same period .
The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mr . Agboola Dabiri , stated this at a press conference to mark the third anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode , adding that 1, 299 of the destitute persons had been rehabilitated and reunited with their families .
Dabiri explained that of the 162 children rescued, 62 were males while 100 were females .
The commissioner further stated that 79 abandoned children were found in Lagos .
He said 15 girls were sexually abused ; 28 other girls were physically abused, while 32 others were placed on care and shelter .
He said the government carried out reformatory services at the Lagos Rehabilitation and Training Centre, Majidun , specifically designed for rehabilitation of beggars and mentally challenged persons.
“ The centre built as a transit home currently has a population of 1 ,288 rehabilitated persons undergoing medical treatment – psycho - social therapy , behavioural modification and social investigation, ” he said.
Dabiri who lamented increase in the number of youths engaging in drug abuse, added that the government was working to tackle the surge .