Calabar Residents Decry Scrap Metal Vandalism
By Ekanem Asuquo
Residents of Calabar have raised alarm over rising cases of vandalism linked to the activities of scrap metal dealers popularly known as “iron condemned,” calling on Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, to enforce the ban on scrap metal operations across the state.
The residents said the continued movement of scrap metal buyers across the Calabar metropolis and nearby communities has created a ready market for vandals who target public infrastructure and private property for metal components.
According to them, the situation persists despite the state government’s earlier directive prohibiting scrap metal trading as part of measures to curb the destruction of public assets.
A resident of Calabar South, Effiong Edem, said the dealers frequently move around neighbourhoods with megaphones inviting residents to sell old or damaged metal items.
He noted that the practice makes it easier for vandals to dispose of stolen materials taken from public facilities such as electricity poles, drainage covers, railings and building fittings.
Edem observed that although the government announced a ban on scrap metal activities, many of the dealers still operate openly in several parts of the state.
Another resident, Grace Effanga, said the activities of the scrap dealers have contributed to the destruction of both public infrastructure and private property in several communities.
She explained that vandals often target iron materials used in construction, electrical installations and other public utilities because they can easily sell them to scrap buyers.
Effanga urged the government to go beyond the ban by arresting and prosecuting those involved in purchasing vandalised metals.
Similarly, Mfon Abia, a resident of Akpabuyo, said the ban would achieve little if authorities fail to clamp down on the dealers who continue to move from one community to another encouraging 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 instances where individuals involved in the trade were allegedly caught stealing valuable items from residential areas.
The residents therefore appealed to the governor to direct security agencies to enforce the ban strictly by arresting scrap metal dealers operating under the name “iron condemned.”
They also called for stronger monitoring of scrap yards and metal recycling centres, warning that the continued activities of the dealers pose a threat to public infrastructure and community development in the state.
