The Government of Akwa Ibom State has on Tuesday banned the operation of scrap scavengers in the state amidst security threats.
In a statement signed by the secretary to the state government, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, the activities of such people are prohibited with immediate effect in the state.
“The Government of Akwa Ibom State has, with immediate effect, banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the State,” Ekuwem said.
“This follows several incidents of grave infractions including acts of criminality and threat to the peaceful inter-ethnic relationship in the state by operators of this enterprise. The action of Government is also in consonance with public sentiments amidst popular complaints against the activities of these scavengers who wantonly violate peoples properties, stealing and assaulting law-abiding citizens in the process.” He added.
Several incidents of peace disruption and forfeiting of life in the state as a result of the said scavenging has also been the rationale behind the purported ban.
“Recall that sometime in 2021, multiple explosions, causing fatalities, were recorded in Oruk Anam Local Government Area in the course of scavengers sorting out what turned out to be military brand explosives. About four lives were lost in this incident.” the statement reads.
Again, while in church on Sunday, a citizen of the state was reported to has lost his life while trying to protect his property which also lead to the scavengers been killed by angry mop.
“Similarly, on 2nd Jan, 2022 scavengers violated the premises of a citizen in Afaha Oku, Uyo Local Government Area in an attempt to cart away properties. While attempting to prevent the scavengers, the citizen was callously murdered in cold blood while mob action was visited on the scavenger assailants causing the death of the two scavengers. Sundays appear to be the busiest day for these scavengers who take advantage of mass Church attendance to invade homes and cart away valuables leaving hapless citizens with tales of woe upon their return from Church.” added the statement.
In a bid to maintain the inter-state healthy relationship currently experienced in the country, the Akwa Ibom state government has therefore taken this step to help curb more tragic occurrences.
“As a responsible Government, we can no longer tolerate the activities of this industry which evidently is in no way adding value to the socio economic well being of the state but rather escalating tensions and threatening the overall peace and security of the State. Accordingly, the operations of scrap scavengers in the State is banned forthwith. Violators of this ban will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law.” Added the release.
