Concerned about growing security threats posed by the activities of scavengers and cart pushers, the Enugu State Government has finally banned their operations, warning that any of them arrested would be prosecuted.
Reaffirmation of the proscription of activities of those popularly called, “Iron Condemn” in local parlance, was disclosed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, over the weekend after a long meeting with the leadership and representatives of the Hausa/Fulani Community and their Igbo and Yoruba counterparts at the Government House, Enugu.
Lamenting that hundreds of petitions had been received from members of the public against the activities of the illegal waste evacuatord who have since carried out all forms of despicable criminal acts, the SSG said enforcement of the ban, arrest and prosecution of violators would commence today, Monday, 29 January, 2024.
He observed that scavengers with evil motives were infiltrating the state, breaking into people’s homes, including uncompleted buildings and stealing their valuables, adding that the state is determined to protect life of the citizens and safeguard their properties against intruders.
Citing section 20 of the 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.
“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”.
