The influx of children on the streets of major cities in Nigeria has become a source of growing concern. This qualitative study explored the lived experiences of street children in Upper Sakponba Road and New Benin market, two densely populated areas of Benin City, the capital city of Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 20 children aged 7 to 18 years took part in the study by purposive sampling. Data was collected by in-depth individual interviews. Thematic data analysis was done by the author to investigate their reasons for leaving home which resulted in living on the streets and life on the streets itself. The study findings revealed that discordant families, low level of education, child delinquency, poor standard of living, child abuse, quest for urbanisation, domestic violence, lack of parental care and greener Pastures are the major factors driving children into the streets.
The children revealed that they developed survival strategies by engaging in various tasks like pushing wheelbarrows, carrying loads on their heads for shoppers, working as bus conductors for Tuketuke drivers (commercial buses), stealing, pickpocketing, armed robbery and begging. Some of them engaged in drug and substance abuse to withstand the hard life on the street, while others either formed or joined already formed groups to protect themselves against gangs and government law enforcement agents. The author recommends that the Edo state government embark on public campaigns to sensitise the public against the negative perception of street children and establish homes and educational institutions to accommodate these children. The author concluded that the collaborative action of government, non-governmental organisations, and public-spirited individuals is needed to strengthen families and save these children from the streets by reuniting them with their families.