Nigerians on social media are abuzz with reactions to a viral video showing beggars using TikTok to solicit alms. The clip, which emerged from one of the beggars’ live sessions, quickly gained attention on Thursday, May 16, 2024.
In the video, a lead beggar, appearing to be disabled, directed two others who also seemed to have mobility issues. Speaking in Hausa, he rolled on the floor, pleading for gifts through the app.
The sight of beggars using social media has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. Some have expressed skepticism, questioning whether a third party might be manipulating the beggars for personal gain.
One user, identified as D great Bundee, tweeted, “Definitely a syndicate using handicaps to exploit people.” Another user, #Ojamzey, labeled the activity as “corporate begging.”
On X.com, a user with the handle #nanaquophie121 commented, “Top business strategy. Open a TikTok account for the disabled. Let them go live and boom, 60-40!” A Facebook user named Techy tech added, “All business Dey online now na, wetin Una Dey expect, don’t be surprise say den get manager.”
Other reactions included a comment from Punterian, who wrote, “The ones that don’t need help are getting gifts, why won’t they get involved & benefit when na them be the actual beggars.” Sperotti on X observed, “When they found out that the ones that don’t need help were gifted… so those who needed help had to step up.”
Rocky Amartey on Instagram concluded, “At this point, it’s clear it’s an organised crime.”
The video and subsequent reactions highlight the evolving landscape of begging in the digital age, raising questions about exploitation and the authenticity of online solicitations.
