By Rasheedah Makinde
The Oyo State Government has commenced a 24-hour surveillance operation to curb illegal scavenging in Ibadan metropolis.
The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Ademola Aderinto, stated this during an interview with newsmen.
Mr Aderinto explained that the action was targeted at regulating the activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as “BOLA,” in order to prevent infrastructure vandalism, enhance public safety and promote environmental sustainability.
He reiterated that the Ministry has a statutory responsibility to keep Oyo State clean and free from activities that pose as environmental and public health hazards, noting that unchecked scavenging has contributed to environmental degradation and insecurity in some parts of the state.
Mr Aderinto emphasized that open scavenging is prohibited in Oyo State and assured that the government would not relent in its resolve to identify, arrest and prosecute offenders in line with existing environmental laws.
According to the Commissioner, violators are liable to penalties including fines ranging from ₦20,000 to ₦50,000, community service and possible jail terms, depending on the severity of the offence.
The Commissioner revealed that, as part of the ongoing enforcement drive, a total of nineteen illegal scavengers were apprehended and prosecuted.
In a related development, Mr Aderinto said the Ministry also sealed a food processing facility located within a residential area at Wofun, Ibadan, following findings that its boiler was emitting excessive carbon soot into the environment, thereby contributing to air pollution.
Mr Aderinto stressed that the facility would only be reopened after full compliance from the company.
Edited by Olaolu Fawole
