Just as acute hunger as well as rising living costs, and power outages continue in Kaduna, the area has seen an influx of corporate beggars.

Daily Post reports that there is total blackout across the state over the past few days, leading to the collapse of mini businesses such as barbing and grinding foodstuffs.

Most operators of these businesses could not afford the cost of petrol owing to the hike in fuel pump price.

Already, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has said the blackout affecting parts of Northern Nigeria will persist due to security challenges hindering repairs on critical transmission lines.

TCN also disclosed that despite efforts to restore electricity through alternative means, the situation will not be fully resolved anytime soon.

After waiting for the restoration of light across the state to no avail, some residents have resorted to begging just to survive.

Mr. Joseph Musa, an ice water seller, said it is honourable to beg than to stealing.

He insisted that there is no harm in begging.

“I go to individuals to help me with anything they have for me to survive. Although I can endure hunger, but my children cannot endure hunger as they begin to cry anytime they feel hungry.”

Also, Mrs Rose Benjamin, who said she dresses corporately and always stand at a bus stop to beg, noted, “I make sure I dress well to the admiration of people if I am going to the office.

“Some private car owners upon seeing me, always stop to carry me free. In the process, I stylishly ask them for assistance since my husband has nothing.”

Also, Joel Adegbe, who said he usually goes to houses of people he know can assist, said some residents have been helpful.

“Sometimes I am lucky as some people bless me with money, foodstuffs and several gifts,” he said.