The Akwa Ibom State government yesterday issued directive placing a total ban scrap scavenging in the state.
The ban was sequel to the death of two northern youths and an Akwa Ibom indigene on Sunday, January 2, 2022 in Afaha Oku, Ikpa community, in Uyo local government area.
It was gathered that youths of the area set two Hausa scrap metal dealers ablaze in retaliation for their killing of an indigene identified Anietie.
It was further learnt that the scrap metal collectors went into Anietie’s compound and stole some metals.
When he accosted them, the two Hausa youths got angry, beat him up and killed him in the process.
When youths of the community learnt about what happened, they apprehended the two metal dealers and killed them.
Consequently, the government, in a statement by the secretary to the state government, Dr Emmanuel Ekuwem banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the state with immediate effect.
The statement entitled ‘Ban on scrap scavengers in Akwa Ibom State and enforcement of existing ban on the use of motor cycles within Uyo metropolis’ reads: “The Government of Akwa Ibom State has, with immediate effect, banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the State. This follows several incidents of grave infractions including acts of criminality and threat to 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.
“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. 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.
“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.”
Again, the government reiterated the ban on motor cycle operation within the Uyo metropolis and environs.
It expressed dismay and serious concern about the flagrant defiance of the ban on motor cycle operations within Uyo metropolis and environs.
“Government has observed with dismay and serious concern the flagrant defiance of the ban on Motor Cycle operations within Uyo metropolis and environs. This ban order is hereby reiterated with a warning that defaulters stand to lose not only their Motor Cycles, if apprehended, but also risk being prosecuted and possibly sentenced.
“Security agencies and the general public are therefore put on notice. An enforcement structure has been put in place to effect these directives to the letter.
“The general public should be rest-assured that the government of Akwa Ibom State will leave no stones unturned in ensuring the safety of lives and properties as well as the peace and security of the state,” it stated.
