THE Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has announced plans to regulate the operations of scavengers and scrap dealers in a bid to tackle the rising incidents of theft and vandalism across the state.
Speaking yesterday during a courtesy visit by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Akintayo Ayinla, at the Government House in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo described the increasing activities of scavengers—locally known as “iron condemn”—as a growing security threat.
“The way they go about stealing irons and destroying people’s property is not acceptable at all,” he stated.
The governor revealed that the state government plans to introduce a regulatory bill to the Edo State House of Assembly aimed at restoring order and accountability within the sector.
“We are going to propose a regulatory document in the form of a bill to the House of Assembly. When somebody is operating, he should know his boundaries. If they go beyond that, they are fighting the government,” he said.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to public safety and pledged full support to the NSCDC in its efforts to curb vandalism.
In response, Commandant Ayinla commended the governor for his continued support of security agencies, noting that while the scrap and scavenging trade contributes economically, it has also become a major source of vandalism in the state.
He disclosed that the NSCDC had begun a census of scrap markets and scavenging sites across Edo to enhance oversight.
Ayinla urged the government to create designated zones for scrap activities and enforce registration and licensing for all operators, warning that failure to regulate the industry could lead to an increase in car thefts and destruction of public infrastructure.
Governor Okpebholo expressed confidence that the collaboration between the state government and the NSCDC would bring an end to the menace and restore order in the sector.