By Kasarachi Azuka, Asaba
Across many states in southern Nigeria, metal scrap mongers have grown more threatening. Both the collectors and the transporters have been suspected to cause many havocs. Some of them have been caught stealing items and lumping them together with metal scraps. Others have been implicated in vandalising freshly built projects to remove metal irons. Yet, some others have been accused of child napping in part of northern Port Harcourt. In Delta State, the menace is seen to be pure threat.
Details:
Delta State Government has restated it’s ban on metal scavengers popularly known as ‘Iron Condemn’, and has ordered law enforcement agents to ensure a compliance, arrest and prosecution any person involved in such activities.
According to Latimore Oghesenevbe, chief executive officer, Delta State and Communications Bureau, the activities of the scavengers remained banned in all 25 Local Government Areas of the state and offenders shall be apprehended and prosecuted to serve as deterrent to deviants and those contemplating breaking laws and regulations.
Oghenesivbe, reaffirmed the state government’s position on Saturday in swift reaction to numerous reports of alleged persisting activities of Iron Condemn scavengers in some parts of the state.
He said some persons who are determined to break the law decided to illegally produce branded uniforms/muffler, and inscribed on them “Ministry of Environment” so as to deceive unsuspecting members of the public with a view to litigimizing their illegal operations in some parts of the state.
He also disclosed during a public affairs talkshow on radio, that Jamani Ejiro, the Commissioner for Environment, confirmed in a telephone conversation that there was never a time his ministry issued permits or branded uniforms to Iron Condemn scavengers to operate in any part of the state, and urged members of the public to promptly report any iron condemn scavenger in their area or community to the police, local vigilantes or the state taskforce on environment for arrest and criminal prosecution.
He assured that the state government and law enforcement agents shall intensify efforts to ensure total compliance, pointing out that the activities of Iron Condemn scavengers remained a major threat to privacy, peace and security in the state, and that government will do everything lawful to completely eradicate their illegal operations.
He confirmed that security reports from across the state indicated that the Iron Condemn Scavengers vandalized properties, encroached on properties, trespassed unauthorized areas, stole gas cylinders, security lights, children bicycles, raped and assaulted their victims, which was why government outlawed their criminal activities in the state.
“His Excellency, the governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori is committed to his vision of enhanced peace and security in the state. He has the political willpower and the good conscience to fulfill his electioneering campaigns promises to the people, support and ensure the enforcement of subsisting laws and regulations.
“Iron Condemn Scavengers remained banned in all parts of Delta State, in line with subsisting laws and regulations. The state government has directed law enforcement agents and the state taskforce on environment to intensify compliance, arrest and prosecute deviants and offenders.
“Penalty for breaking the law regarding iron condemn activities ranges from fine to terms of imprisonment or both. Any scavenger caught operating under the guise of a registered operator by the State Ministry of Environment shall be prosecuted and jailed.
“Delta State Ministry of Environment confirmed to the State Orientation and Communications Bureau that the ban on Iron Condemn is in full force in the state.
The State Ministry of Environment did not issue permit to any scavenger, and didn’t authorize the use of special uniforms or branded mufflers. There are no authorized or licensed or recognized iron condemn scavengers in Delta State. Their operations remain banned,” insisted.
