Mixed Reactions Trail Gombe’s Ban On Scrap Metal Trading

Residents of Gombe State have expressed divergent views on the state government’s decision to ban scrap metal trading, popularly known as Bola Jari, due to security concerns.

LEADERSHIP reports that the ban was announced after an expanded State Security Council meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, with the government linking scrap metal activities to alleged criminal and unwholesome practices.

However, reactions from residents, mostly shared online, revealed a mix of support, concern and outright opposition.

Some residents argue that the ban could worsen criminality rather than reduce it.

Abdullahi Ibrahim Bako warned that stopping scrap collection without providing alternative means of livelihood could push people who depend on the trade into crime.

Similarly, Aisha Mubarak questioned the decision, noting that many families rely on the business and claiming there had been no history of security issues linked to their activities.

Others believe that regulation, rather than a ban, would be a better approach. Mohammad Isma’il said not all scrap dealers are criminals and urged the state government to properly regulate the sector instead of shutting it down.

Yar Ummah corroborated this view, stressing that while theft of metal exists, many scrap collectors were earning an honest living.

On the other hand, some residents welcomed the ban, insisting it was long overdue.

Abubakar Assiddiq Yaya supported the decision, arguing that scrap trading had encouraged theft and criminal behaviour among youths.

Auwal Jazeery also backed the government’s stance, linking the issue to sociological theories of crime and suggesting that the ease of quick gains in the trade attracts criminal tendencies.

Meanwhile, critics such as Nafi’u Mahmoud accused the authorities of failing to consider the welfare of the ordinary citizens, saying policies were often imposed without regard for the hardship they may cause, even when justified in the name of security.

While the state government announced the beginning of the enforcement, the debate continues over whether the ban will enhance security or deepen economic hardship for those who depend on this business for survival.