The activities of scavengers, also known as scrap dealers or condemn iron collectors, have become a significant concern for residents in the South East region of Nigeria. Their actions have escalated from simple scavenging to outright vandalism and theft, particularly affecting both private and public infrastructures. Many scavengers have been reported to invade construction sites to steal iron rods and materials under the guise of looking for scraps, leading to accusations of criminal behavior, including acting as informants for kidnappers. In response to these escalating issues, the Anambra State Government has officially banned their operations, while the Imo State Government has called for urgent action against these activities.
Anambra’s Action Against Scavengers
The decision to ban scavengers in Anambra State was prompted by their rampant vandalism in various cities. Despite frequent arrests made by community vigilante groups, scavengers have continued to wreak havoc, damaging properties in their quest for metals. Residents have shared alarming stories about the extent of the destruction caused by these individuals.
In one recent incident in Amawbia, several scavengers were caught in the act of disposing of electrical materials and window panels worth millions of naira, stolen from newly constructed buildings. Chief Obinna Nwofor, the owner of one such property, recounted how his two-storey building was vandalized just two days after the wiring was completed.
Nwofor expressed his frustration: “I spent over four million naira to complete the wiring of my house, aiming to have tenants move in before the year’s end, only for these people, who shout ‘iron condemn’ and push carts, to invade my compound. They destroyed the wire gauze, scaled the fence, and removed all the wires.”
When one scavenger was apprehended, it was revealed that the stolen wires had been melted down for resale, with the culprit admitting to making only N30,000 from the theft. Nwofor, despite his anger and the police’s advice to take the scavenger to court, chose not to pursue legal action, believing it would be futile.
Another resident, Mr. Cosmas Okafor from Awka, reported similar experiences, stating that scavengers had climbed onto the roof of his newly completed house and removed the thunder protector, as well as glass windows and panels, causing significant financial loss.
These scavengers have been noted to move through neighborhoods, often targeting homes when they suspect the occupants are away, taking every metal item they can find.
Following numerous complaints from the community, the Anambra State Government has made it clear that the theft of metal objects from residential and public properties will no longer be tolerated, leading to the enforcement of the ban on scavenger activities.