Group urges Gov Eno to set up scrap markets in Akwa Ibom to curb criminal activities

A human rights organization, COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, is calling on the Akwa Ibom State Government to establish scrap markets in strategic locations within the state to combat criminal activities.

The group specifically recommends setting up these markets in areas like Itu, Abak, Oron, Eket, Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, and Ikot Abasi to regulate transactions and prevent illicit practices between buyers and sellers.

Saviour Akpan, the Executive of the foundation, also called for the quick passage of a bill to outlaw scavenging in the state, sponsored by former assemblyman, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Uko, during the 7th Assembly.

Akpan made the recommendations during a press conference held in Abak to address the reported abuse of rights of citizens who are involved in metal scrap scavenging by security agents in Akwa Ibom State.

Akpan expressed concern over the actions of certain police officers concerning their handling of matters related to scavenging, stating that their conduct poses a significant risk of human rights violations.

He disclosed that the COMPPART Foundation had received reports from individuals claiming to have been harassed and coerced by some officers who alleged their participation in the prohibited activities of metal scrap scavenging and selling within the state.

He said, “Whether right or wrong, the activities of the scavengers and the actions of the police may polarize safety and potentially lead to widespread human rights abuses in the state.

“If some police officers continue to use the 2022 ban as a cover to arrest and extort money, and if it becomes difficult to distinguish between legitimate metal scrap scavengers and those who may have scraps to sell, it is essential for the government to take action to address this issue.

“The concern here is that if this trend continues, the police may begin arresting anyone on the streets who is seen carrying any iron or scrap, whether for personal use or commercial purposes.

“As a result, cases of human rights abuses may increase in the state, further widening the gap in the relationship between law enforcement agencies and the members of the community they serve.

“The establishment of such markets will also eliminate the involvement of law enforcement and security agencies in these petty businesses, allowing them to redirect their efforts toward protecting the lives and property of citizens.

“To ensure that the proposed markets effectively address the issue of individuals removing items from public installations and facilities, the government must assign the responsibility to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to verify that all scrap materials for sale are properly disposed of by their owners”