A non-governmental organization known as Urban Alert has raised an alarm over the increase in dangers to the lives of Osun residents as a result of the activities of scavengers.
The organization revealed that the activities of scavengers have led to the loss of properties and endangerment of lives, despite the efforts of security agencies to curb their activities.
In a written letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, the Executive Director of Urban Alert, Anthony Adejuwon, alleged that investigations have shown that scavengers are armed with dangerous weapons, including knives and daggers.
The organisation also reminded Adeleke of measures put in place by previous administrations to curb nefarious acts of scrap scavengers in the state.
Moreover, it called on Adeleke to initiate the restructuring and relaunching of the identity system for scrap scavengers, through which the primary data of scavengers working in the state can be tracked.
The letter stated, “Recently, there has been a tremendous increase in the havoc caused by scrap scavengers in Osun state. Scrap scavengers go around to pack metal equipment, kitchen utensils, and cart away people’s properties. Several times, they have been reported to security agencies for intervention without any significant positive outcome.
“Preliminary investigations through our engagement channels have revealed that the scavengers also go around with knives and daggers.”
The activities of these scavengers pose a threat to the safety of more than five million residents living in Osun state and their properties.
According to the organization, this necessitates an urgent need for the restructuring of the previous identity system designed to capture the basic identity of these scavengers with the aim of improving security in the state. This will also help residents of the state to quickly identify the scavengers, engage them in case of any mishap, and forestall violence in their communities.
