Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has disclosed that his administration would regulate scrap and scavenging activities to curb vandalism across the state.

The governor disclosed this on Tuesday during a courtesy visit by the new NSCDC Commandant, Edo State Command, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, to his office.

Okpebholo, who said he would send a bill to the Edo State House of Assembly to regulate the operations of scavengers and scrap dealers, condemned the growing incidents of theft and vandalism associated with scavengers’ and scrap dealers’ operations.

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He said, “The way they go about stealing irons, removing and destroying property belonging to people, is not acceptable at all. I know that with your zeal and understanding of the state’s terrain, you will be able to take action to end this menace.” 

Earlier, the NSCDC Commandant, Ayinla, highlighted the increasing cases of vandalism associated with the scrap and scavenging industry, including the theft of electric cables, manhole covers, and streetlight poles.

He noted that while the scrap and scavenging industry contributes to economic activities, its operations have regrettably been linked to the rising cases of vandalism and criminality.

He warned that if not properly regulated, these activities could escalate into more severe crimes such as vehicle theft and destruction of government infrastructure.