Edo Govt Decries Destruction Of Infrastructure, Cracks Down On Scrap Dealers

Edo State government has decried what it described as persistent attacks on public infrastructure, following the arrest of six suspected scavengers, popularly known as “condemn iron” dealers, in Benin City.

The chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okoloise, who disclosed this while addressing journalists, lamented the growing level of destruction of government property, attributing it largely to the activities of scrap dealers.

Okoloise said the suspects were apprehended for allegedly vandalising public assets and are currently in police custody, adding that they would be charged in court.

He expressed concern that despite efforts by the government to accommodate operators within the sector, some individuals had continued to engage in acts of sabotage.

According to him, the government can no longer tolerate the destruction of infrastructure under any guise, stressing that decisive measures would be enforced to safeguard public property.

The committee chairman specifically cited the vandalisation of facilities at Fabiyi Akpata Primary School, noting that items such as chairs and roofing sheets had been removed by suspected scavengers.

Describing the development as unacceptable, Okoloise said those responsible must be held accountable and compelled to repair damaged property.

He also issued a 21-day ultimatum to scavengers occupying the Lagos Street moat and surrounding areas to vacate, insisting that such locations were not suitable for habitation.

Okoloise maintained that the directive was part of broader efforts to restore order and protect critical infrastructure across the state capital.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association in Edo State, Alhaji Abbas Garuba, said the group had introduced measures to regulate the activities of its members.

Garuba stated that the association had restricted operating hours to between 7am and 7pm from Monday to Saturday, while banning Sunday operations to curb criminal activities.

He added that the association would continue to work with relevant authorities to identify and sanction illegal operators.