By Abasi Ita
Residents of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, have called on Governor Bassey Otu to strengthen enforcement against scrap metal dealers popularly known as “iron condemned,” accusing them of fueling rising cases of vandalism across the state.
The appeal comes amid reports that scrap metal buyers still move around streets in the Calabar metropolis and nearby communities purchasing damaged or vandalised metal materials despite the state government’s ban on scrap metal operations.
Residents say the continued activities of the dealers have created a ready market for vandals who target public infrastructure and private property for metal parts which are later sold to scrap merchants.
A resident of Calabar South, Mr Effiong Edem, said the dealers frequently parade neighbourhoods with megaphones, calling on residents to sell old or damaged metals to them.
According to him, the practice makes it easier for vandals to dispose of stolen materials taken from public facilities such as electric poles, drainage covers, railings and building components.
He noted that although the state government earlier announced a ban on scrap metal activities to curb vandalism, many of the dealers still operate openly in several parts of the state.
Another resident, Mrs Grace Effanga, said the situation has contributed to the destruction of public infrastructure and private property in many communities.
She explained that vandals often target iron materials used in construction, electrical installations and public utilities because they can easily sell them to scrap dealers.
Effanga urged the government to go beyond banning the trade by arresting and prosecuting those who purchase vandalised metals.
Similarly, a resident of Akpabuyo, Mfon Abia, said the ban would have little impact unless authorities take decisive action against the dealers who continue to move around communities urging residents to sell metal items.
Some community leaders also expressed concern that the activities of scrap metal merchants are undermining efforts to protect public assets and maintain infrastructure across the state. They cited several incidents in which individuals involved in the trade were allegedly caught stealing valuable materials from residential areas.
The residents therefore called on Governor Otu to direct security agencies to clamp down on scrap metal merchants operating under the name “iron condemned” in order to curb the growing cases of vandalism.
They also advocated stronger monitoring of scrap yards and metal recycling centres, warning that the continued activities of the dealers pose a serious threat to public infrastructure and community development in the state.