Inside Edo
Okpebholo vows legislation to check vandalism by scrap dealers, 'iron condemn' scavengers
Written By: Emmanuel Ikhenebome
22 Oct 2025 01:58 AM
Benin, Edo – In a decisive push to safeguard public infrastructure and restore order, Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has vowed unwavering state government backing for the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to combat rampant vandalism fueled by unregulated scrap dealers and scavengers.
The commitment came during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NSCDC Commandant for Edo State, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo, addressing the growing menace of theft and destruction linked to these activities, condemned the "alarming" tactics employed by some operators, including the stripping of iron rods, electric cables, manhole covers, and streetlight poles from homes, public facilities, and government assets.
"The way they go about stealing irons and destroying people's property is not acceptable at all," he declared, expressing confidence that Commandant Ayinla's familiarity with the state's terrain would expedite solutions.
The governor announced immediate plans to forward a comprehensive regulatory bill to the Edo State House of Assembly, aiming to impose clear boundaries on operations, mandate licensing, and impose penalties for violations.
"We are going to propose a regulatory document in the form of a bill to the House of Assembly," Okpebholo stated, noting, "When somebody is operating, he should know his boundaries. If they go beyond that, they should know that they are fighting the Government. We need to do that so that there will be sanity in their operations."
The meeting also served as an opportunity for Okpebholo to extend heartfelt condolences to the NSCDC over the untimely death of the previous commandant, Gbenga Agun Joseph, whom he described as a "friend and brother."
Welcoming Ayinla, who assumed office on October 17, 2025, the governor noted his prior experience in Edo, affectionately calling him "a son of the soil."
The commitment came during a courtesy visit by the newly appointed NSCDC Commandant for Edo State, Akintayo Saidi Ayinla, at the Government House in Benin City.
Governor Okpebholo, addressing the growing menace of theft and destruction linked to these activities, condemned the "alarming" tactics employed by some operators, including the stripping of iron rods, electric cables, manhole covers, and streetlight poles from homes, public facilities, and government assets.
"The way they go about stealing irons and destroying people's property is not acceptable at all," he declared, expressing confidence that Commandant Ayinla's familiarity with the state's terrain would expedite solutions.
The governor announced immediate plans to forward a comprehensive regulatory bill to the Edo State House of Assembly, aiming to impose clear boundaries on operations, mandate licensing, and impose penalties for violations.
"We are going to propose a regulatory document in the form of a bill to the House of Assembly," Okpebholo stated, noting, "When somebody is operating, he should know his boundaries. If they go beyond that, they should know that they are fighting the Government. We need to do that so that there will be sanity in their operations."
The meeting also served as an opportunity for Okpebholo to extend heartfelt condolences to the NSCDC over the untimely death of the previous commandant, Gbenga Agun Joseph, whom he described as a "friend and brother."
Welcoming Ayinla, who assumed office on October 17, 2025, the governor noted his prior experience in Edo, affectionately calling him "a son of the soil."
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