By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
The Gombe State Government has banned the activities of scavengers of scrap materials popularly known as ‘Bola-jari’ in an effort aimed at addressing emerging security challenges in the state
The ban which got the approval of the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, was disclosed to Journalists shortly after an Expanded State Security Council Meeting convened to review emerging security challenges and recent incidents in the state
Both dealers and scavengers of scrap materials in Gombe have constituted themselves into nuisance and causing serious security problems.
There has been an outcry of vandalization of Government and other public facilities as well as private homes by suspected scavengers who in turn, sell to dealers of such materials.
The council observed that operators in the scrap business lack a coordinated structure, recognised leadership and effective regulatory framework, making their activities difficult to monitor and control.
Even though the operators of the business try to make it a legitimate one, it has caused serious security breach which Government in turn, tried to regulate, in an effort to check criminal elements in the entire activities.
Briefing newsmen shortly after the Expanded State Security Council Meeting, the State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Zubairu Mohammed Umar, in company of the State Commissioner of Police, Umar A Chuso and the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, Journalists were told that the ban became inevitable following the inability of various segments of the business to come up with a unified leadership.
Zubairu Umar said the uncooperative attitude of those engaged in the ‘Bola-jari’ business has been a serious case for concern to security agents who wants to regulate their activities, as such, Governor Inuwa Yahaya approved the immediate ban of the activities of the scrap scavengers.
He said anyone found engaged in bola-jari will meet the full wrath of the law adding, “this ban will remain in force until the dealers properly organise themselves under a recognised leadership, after which the Government will designate a controlled operating centre under strict security supervision,” the Attorney-General stated.
The council also during the sitting, mandated all Local Governments security architecture to include local vigilantes and hunters but strictly under the supervision of the Police and that they must hold security meetings with all stakeholders, traditional rulers inclusive, every week.
Another resolution of the council was the directive to all housing agents to start profiling every tenant in the State before renting an apartment out. This will allow security agencies to access such information whenever the need arises.
Anyone coming into Gombe State to reside or rent accommodation must have their personal information properly documented. The measure is intended to curb criminal activities and enhance community security”.
End.
