Authorities in Okitipupa Local Council of Ondo State have indefinitely suspended the activities of scavengers and scrap metal operators across the council area, citing security concerns.

Chairman of the council, Andrew Ogunsakin, disclosed this in Okitipupa yesterday while addressing newsmen. He also directed the immediate profiling of all scavengers and scrap metal operators by security agencies and community leaders.

Ogunsakin explained that the measure was taken to address growing security threats linked to unregulated scavenging activities, often carried out by itinerant individuals. He warned that if left unchecked, such activities could continue to endanger public safety and critical infrastructure in the council area. He added that security operatives had been mandated to strictly enforce the suspension order and that violators would face the full weight of the law.

“Following growing security concerns, the activities of scavengers and scrap metal operators have been suspended indefinitely in Okitipupa Local Council and its environs,” Ogunsakin said.

“I have also ordered the profiling of scavengers and scrap metal operators by security agencies and community leaders to restore order and ensure accountability. Security operatives have been mandated to strictly enforce this order, as violators will face the full wrath of the law. He urged residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and cooperative as the council takes firm steps to safeguard lives and property.

Similarly, in Edo State, Etsako West and Esan North-East Local Councils have introduced fresh security measures to combat rising crime.In Etsako West, the operation of commercial motorcycles, known as okada, has been restricted to the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

Secretary to the council, Zikanene Momodu Oyakhamoh, said the decision was aimed at safeguarding life and property amid rising insecurity. Acting chairman, Valentine Okwilague, noted that the restriction aligns with similar efforts in other local councils to reduce crime, especially at night. Oyakhamoh urged residents to comply with the directive, adding that security agencies, including the Police, Department of State Services, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, had been notified to commence enforcement immediately.

In Esan North-East, acting chairman, Paul Uhomesili, ordered the immediate suspension of all scrap metal trading activities in Uromi and Uzea communities. His chief press secretary, Oriwoh Henry, said the move followed multiple complaints from residents accusing scrap dealers of theft and vandalism.

Uhomesili warned that anyone found scavenging from April 22, 2025, would be acting illegally and directed all individuals involved in the trade to report to the council office for profiling and identification.