The Edo State Government has arrested six scavengers, popularly known as ‘iron condemn’, for allegedly vandalising state-owned infrastructure in Benin City.

The government also issued a 21-day ultimatum to occupants of Lagos Street moat and its environs—many of whom are scavengers—to vacate the area and secure alternative accommodation as part of efforts to restore order in the state capital.

Chairman of the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee, Eugene Okoloise, disclosed this in Benin while briefing journalists on the committee’s activities and the impact of scavengers on public infrastructure.

Okoloise, who invited leaders of scrap dealers to the meeting, said the state would no longer tolerate vandalism of public assets.

“The ones that we arrested are in the police station. They are going to be charged to court on Monday, and they will face the law. We have about six of them arrested.

“We cannot continue like this. We cannot, in the name of avoiding claims of marginalisation, allow attacks on state infrastructure. We will not allow it. We have accepted them as part of the community, but that does not mean we should permit the destruction of infrastructure,” he said.

He added that those occupying the moat had been given 21 days to relocate.

“We have given them 21 days to look for a house. You cannot be living inside the moat,” he said.

Okoloise also cited vandalism at Fabiyi Akpata Primary School in Benin, alleging that items had been removed from the premises.

“They have removed the chairs and roofing sheets. We are calling on their leaders to ensure that those responsible contribute to fix the school. If it is not fixed, they should forget about doing business in the state,” he said.

In response, Chairman of the Scrap Dealers Association in Edo State, Alhaji Abbas Garuba, said measures had been introduced to regulate members’ activities and curb misconduct.

“Now, we have given working hours to our members. On weekdays, including Saturday, it is 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Anyone who operates outside this time is not from us. We have also directed that there should be no work on Sundays, as we observed that some people use that day to steal metal items. On Sundays, we gather them and address these issues,” he said.