Oyo lawmaker, Dr D-Al-Ameen Urges Government to Regulate Metal Scavengers to Curb Infrastructure Vandalism

In a move to tackle rising vandalism and security threats in Oyo State, Hon. (Dr) Dawood Olalere D-Al-Ameen, representing Ibadan NorthWest State Constituency, has called on the state government to regulate the activities of metal scavengers, commonly known as Bola.

Hon. Olalere made this appeal during a plenary session of the Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday, presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin. He highlighted the growing menace posed by metal scavengers, who have been linked to the theft and destruction of critical infrastructure such as streetlights, road signs, electrical installations, railway tracks, and security barriers.

“In their relentless search for scrap metal, these scavengers have been implicated in the theft and destruction of critical utilities, posing significant risks to public safety and economic stability,” Hon. Olalere stated in his motion.

He further noted that their activities have negatively impacted businesses, particularly those in the Blacksmith, Welder, and Iron Sellers Association, who have raised concerns over economic losses due to unchecked scavenging. Additionally, he pointed out that residents often find it futile to report such incidents to the police, as offenders are frequently released without consequences.

The lawmaker also raised alarm over reports linking some scavengers to criminal activities, including acting as informants for kidnappers and armed robbers. According to him, these individuals often use their scavenging as a cover to conduct surveillance on neighborhoods, businesses, and critical installations.

To address these concerns, the motion urged the Executive Arm of Government to take concrete measures, including regulating scrap metal dealers to prevent the sale of stolen public property and establishing designated collection centers for scrap materials to streamline operations while enforcing strict penalties against scrap dealers or recycling companies found in possession of stolen infrastructure materials.

The motion also tasked the Committees on Environment, Water Resources and Ecology, and Security and Strategies to engage key stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, and security agencies, in finding long-term solutions.

Several lawmakers backed the motion, describing it as a necessary step in addressing security and economic concerns. They noted that other states, including Lagos, Kwara, Anambra, and Enugu, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, have already taken proactive steps to regulate or ban scavenger activities due to their adverse effects.

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