The Edo State House of Assembly has condemned the increasing activities of scavengers, popularly known as “Iron Condemn,” over their alleged involvement in widespread vandalism across the state, directing security agencies to intensify efforts to arrest those operating illegally.
The resolution was reached on Monday following a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Jonathan Ibhamawu, during plenary.
Presenting the motion, Ibhamawu lamented the growing trend of scavengers dismantling buildings and stealing valuable materials from private homes and public infrastructure.
He recounted a recent incident involving his property along Ekenwan Road, where suspected vandals reportedly destroyed the entrance gate, removed roofing sheets and made away with several valuables.
The lawmaker also expressed concern over the security implications of the activities of some scavengers, revealing that individuals posing as scrap collectors were recently caught attempting to abduct a child concealed beneath refuse loaded on their cart.
“These acts worsen insecurity in our communities,” Ibhamawu said, while urging security agencies to arrest and prosecute those involved in vandalism as well as anyone aiding their activities.
He further appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements or activities within their communities.
Several lawmakers, including Edobor Uzamere, Sunday Aghedo, Osezua Ojezele, Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko and Edosa Osaro, supported the motion, stressing the need for stronger measures to protect lives and property across the state.
The legislators argued that imposing stiff penalties on offenders would serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal activities.
Following deliberations, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku directed all security agencies in Edo State to immediately intensify enforcement efforts by preventing scavengers from operating unlawfully on the streets and ensuring that offenders are apprehended.
Meanwhile, the Assembly also considered, at second reading, a bill designed to curb revenue leakages, improve tax compliance and strengthen transparency, accountability and efficient cash management within the state.
Opening debate on the proposed legislation, Ibhamawu warned that persistent revenue leakages continued to affect government finances and called for improved accountability in revenue collection to support developmental projects.
Other lawmakers, including Isibor Emakhu, Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko, Ugabi and Minority Leader Charity Aiguobarueghian, contributed to the debate.
While members unanimously agreed on the importance of strengthening the state’s revenue collection system, they resolved that additional consultations would be necessary before concluding deliberations on the bill.
The lawmakers also advocated stricter enforcement of tax obligations for shopping malls, hotels, cinemas and other commercial establishments operating within the state.
Emakhu called for more effective implementation of existing tax laws, while Osaro recommended further stakeholder engagement and detailed investigations before final decisions are taken.
The Speaker subsequently directed that discussions on revenue and taxation issues continue during a future sitting of the House.
The bill seeking the imposition, collection and administration of the Socio-Economic Development Levy and other related services was thereafter referred to the House Committees on Finance and Judiciary for further legislative scrutiny.
During the plenary, the Assembly also received four correspondences from Governor Monday Okpebholo requesting the confirmation of political appointees and consideration of executive bills transmitted to the legislature.
Lawmakers equally observed a moment of tribute in honour of the late Emmanuel Oronsaye, former Clerk of the Edo State House of Assembly and former Chairman of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission.
Speaker Agbebaku also congratulated Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko on the wedding of her daughter, which recently took place in Canada.
The House further celebrated Majority Leader Jonathan Ibhamawu on the occasion of his 60th birthday, offering prayers for his continued good health and service to the people of Edo State.
The plenary was subsequently adjourned until Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
