The Lagos State Government has warned celebrities, influencers, and residents against giving money to touts, saying such gestures only worsen insecurity and environmental challenges.

The state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, in a Tuesday post on X, said, “Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants.

“Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness.”

He added that what many people regard as kindness often makes enforcement harder.

“What may seem like an act of kindness only makes enforcement more difficult and creates bigger security and environmental concerns for all of us,” Wahab wrote.

His remarks came after a resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja on X, raised the alarm about harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.

In his post, Ajenifuja said, “The state needs to station the men of the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to help and protect motorists from the harassment, extortion, assault, and intimidation by the many homeless boys and teenagers along that corridor.

“They are all a menace to us all.”

The development followed a video showing touts and luxury car content creators running after a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy on the island.

While the group attempted to solicit money, with some filming him for content, they were prevented from reaching the car by his security team.

Wahab maintained that the government is committed to addressing the menace but urged residents to support its efforts by refusing to encourage the miscreants. (PUNCH)