……to arrest recalcitrant operators
In an apparent effort at enhancing security in the state, the Cross River State Government, on Monday, banned scrap ‘iron condemn, activities in the state.
It ordered the suspension of all activities related to scrap and warned that anyone who disobeyed the order would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
In a press statement by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Ededem Ani, the government alleged that the activities of scrap metal operators had led to the destruction of state infrastructure and private facilities and must,therefore, stop.
The statement said, “The Cross River Stare Government expresses grave concern over the alarming rise in vandalism, theft and the destruction of public infrastructure and private property across the state . Critical assets including public utilities, road installations and essentials community facilities have been deliberately targeted resulting in service disruptions, economic losses and heightened threat to public safety,” the Attorney -General declared in the statement.
He went to state that “Investigations and security reports have established a direct nexus between these destructive acts and the activities of scrap dealers, scavengers and their agents operating within the state”.
The Attorney -General added that it was in view of the situation that the governor of the state, Senator Bassey Otu has ordered a review of all laws, policies and regulatory framework governing scrap activities in the state and as an “urgent interim measure to halt further damage , restore order, and safeguard state and private assets approved the immediate suspension of scrap related activities in Cross River State for initial period of six months”.
“This suspension applies comprehensively to all forms of scrap dealings, including but not limited to trading, scavenging, transportation and any related operations, within, into or out of the state”.
Ani warned in the statement that any individual, group or entity found in violation of the order shall be dealt with in accordance with the law. All law enforcement bodies and relevant security agencies are hereby mandated to ensure strict compliance and enforcement without exception.”
This is the second attempt by the Governor Otu to stop scrap activities in the state. The first was in 2024 when there was an outright ban on iron condemn activities but the operations went on not withstanding the ban.
