The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) has raised alarm over the growing menace of scavengers, popularly known as “Babanbola” or Abuja Scrappers, who are wreaking havoc on the Federal Capital Territory’s (FCT) public infrastructure.
These individuals have been linked to the theft of manhole covers and the vandalization of solar panels on streetlights, endangering public safety, crippling infrastructure, and escalating security concerns.
In a statement released by the association heads, Viktor Ikiriko Chike Onyia Capoon Zuma and Deck Steerer Sahara Deck, the Seadogs decried the actions of these individuals, labeling them as “criminals and enemies of the people” whose reckless activities have exposed road users to serious hazards.
“Imagine the devastating consequences of a child or elderly person falling into an uncovered manhole,” the statement read. “This is not just about infrastructure; it is about the safety and well-being of our citizens,” the statement read.
The Seadogs highlighted key areas of concern, citing specific instances of vandalism. Manhole covers, often stolen and sold as scrap metal, leave gaping holes in roads and pathways, posing threats to pedestrians and motorists alike. Similarly, solar panels installed on streetlights—intended to provide safer, well-lit environments—have been systematically removed by vandals.
The group noted that streetlights along major routes, such as the Airport Junction to the Judicial Institute and the Kado-Jahi expressway to Kubwa, have been targeted. The resulting darkness, they argued, provides cover for criminal activities, endangering unsuspecting residents.
While commending recent efforts by the FCT Minister and security agencies, including arrests and the closure of a smelting company implicated in the crimes, NAS criticized the delay in addressing the issue.
The group pointed out systemic challenges hindering law enforcement efforts, including inadequate manpower, insufficient funding, and a lack of proactive strategies such as CCTV surveillance.
The association called for greater synergy between the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the police, and other agencies to curb the activities of Babanbola vandals.
NAS outlined an eight-point agenda to tackle the menace:Tamper-Proof Designs: Secure manhole covers with tamper-proof features to deter theft, enhanced Surveillance: Install CCTV cameras in strategic locations to monitor public infrastructure, synergized Security Efforts: Foster collaboration among law enforcement agencies for effective apprehension and prosecution of offenders, citizens-Led Monitoring: Support initiatives that encourage citizens to report Babanbola activities, sustained Media Campaigns: Drive public awareness through local language media to discourage vandalism, community-Led Protection: Mobilize communities to safeguard streetlights and other vulnerable assets, hotline for Reporting: Create a helpline for citizens to report cases of vandalism promptly, accountability Measures: Ensure that security agencies and government officials are held accountable for safeguarding public assets.
The National Association of Seadogs urged all citizens to join the campaign against Babanbola criminality by reporting suspicious activities and demanding decisive action from the government.
“Together, we can reclaim our streets, preserve our infrastructure, and create a safer environment for everyone,” the statement concluded.
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