‎Ibadan Residents Raise Alarm Over Scavengers’ Unchecked Activities, Alleged Theft of Private Property, Public Infrastructure

‎Ibadan Residents Raise Alarm Over Scavengers’ Unchecked Activities, Alleged Theft of Private Property, Public Infrastructure
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‎Residents of various communities in Ibadan, Oyo State, have raised concerns over the alleged unchecked activities of scavengers, accusing them of removing valuable items from private properties and public infrastructure, disrupting essential services and imposing additional financial burdens on households.
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‎The residents said affected communities are sometimes compelled to contribute money to replace stolen electrical components and other valuable items allegedly removed from residential properties and shared facilities.
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‎Cross-section of residents recounted incidents involving the alleged removal of valuable and electrical components, explaining that affected households and communities often had to bear the cost of repairs and replacements.
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‎They also cited a case in which the removal of a component from a community transformer reportedly left residents without electricity for months, disrupting their daily activities and access to power.
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‎In another incident, residents said the dismantling of pipes and taps at a public borehole disrupted water supply to households that depended on the facility for their daily needs.
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‎Beyond the financial implications and disruption of essential services, the residents warned that the alleged removal of public infrastructure could pose serious safety risks to members of the public.
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‎They expressed concern over the removal of drainage covers and other structural materials, noting that such activities could expose pedestrians and other road users to danger.
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‎They called for stronger monitoring of public facilities, increased community vigilance and greater public awareness to curb the alleged activities and protect valuable items from being removed without authorisation.
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‎The residents also urged relevant authorities and security agencies to take appropriate measures to address the situation, safeguard public infrastructure and prevent further disruption to electricity and water supply.
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‎They stressed the need for concerted efforts by residents, community leaders and relevant authorities to protect essential facilities and ensure that private property and public infrastructure remain safe from unauthorised removal or damage.
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‎Over the years, the alleged activities of scavengers in Oyo State, particularly Ibadan, the State’s capital have raised concerns about the protection of private property and public facilities, particularly infrastructure that serves vast communities.
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