By Chidi Dike
In a bid check increasing cases of Criminal activities attributed to scavengers and scrap collectors, the Enugu State government has restated its ban on their operations, warning that defaulters would be prosecuted.
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, announced this on Friday, at a meeting with the leaders and representatives of the Hausa/Fulani Igbo and Yoruba communities in Enugu.
Onyia said the ban followed numerous petitions by members of the public against the activities of the illegal waste merchants.
The SSG said enforcement of the ban, arrest and prosecution of violators would commence on Monday, 29 January, 2024 alleging that some scavengers had been associated with house breaking and stealing.
Citing section 20 of Enugu State Environmental Law, Prof. Onyia said anyone caught scavenging within the state risks 2 years imprisonment, calling on residents to be on the lookout for would-be-violators and report the to the nearest police station or the taskforce set up for that purpose.
“Enugu State Government is determined to protect every life and property of our citizens. That is our primary responsibility. We will ensure that every threat to the security and peace of the state is eliminated.
“The government will no longer condone the activities of scavengers in the state. We have to rid of the state of every vestige of crimes by restoring sanity. We want to assure all residents in the state who are into genuine business that we will continue to work towards making the environment safer for them.
“You will recall that sometime in November 2023, after reports from residents complaining about harassment and theft from scavengers and illegal waste pickers, the government set up a committee to assess the extent of the threats scavengers posed to the wellbeing of our law-abiding citizens.
“It was established that criminals are now roaming the streets posing as scavengers. Following this establishment, the government activated the law that provides against scavenging activities by outlawing these illegal operators.
“However, as government with empathy and humane face, we allowed for time to communicate the order. During the period, it was observed that more of the scavengers had infiltrated the state.
“So, we are now determined to enforce the law. This should serve as a warning to scavengers in the state. By Monday, the state taskforce will be out to give full effect to the proscription,” he added.
The state government further called on the law enforcement agencies to arrest and prosecute unrepentant scavengers and make examples of them.
