January 04, (THEWILL) – Akwa Ibom State Government has, with immediate effect, banned the activities of scrap scavengers in the State.
This follows several incidents of grave infractions including acts of criminality, killings and threat to peaceful inter-ethnic relationship in the state by operators of this enterprise.
According to the statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Emmanuel Ekuwem, 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 of the state 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 and not less than four lives were lost in that incident.
THEWILL reports that in a similar circumstance, 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 helpless citizens with tales of woe upon their return from Church.
The statement noted that as a responsible Government, activities of scavengers in the state can no longer be tolerated.
“We can no longer tolerate the activities of this industry which evidently is in no way adding value to the socio-economic wellbeing 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 are banned forthwith. Violators of this ban will be apprehended and dealt with according to the law”. The statement stressed.
In a related development, the state Government says it has observed with dismay and serious concern the flagrant defiance of the ban on Motorcycle operations within Uyo metropolis and environs.
It says the ban order is hereby reiterated with a warning that defaulters stand to lose not only their Motorcycles, 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.
It however urged the general public to be rest-assured that the state Government will leave no stones unturned in ensuring the safety of lives and properties as well as the peace and security of the state.
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