No More Kid Gloves Treatment For Scrap Vandals In Anambra – Environment Commissioner, Aguiyi
By David Okpokwasili
Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has declared that the state government will no longer treat vandals of public property with kid gloves, warning that anyone arrested will face the full weight of the law.
Dr. Aguiyi stated this during a visit to Okpoko Police Divisional Headquarters, where he commended the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Austin Okafor, for the swift arrest of a vandal who carted away iron bars used to barricade sections of Relief Market, Okpoko.
According to the police, they acted on information from the market’s Scrap Monitoring Team, swiftly intercepting the driver of a truck conveying the stolen iron bars out of the market. Investigations are ongoing to apprehend other members of the syndicate.
The Commissioner said the days of arrests without prosecution are over, and pledged the Ministry of Environment’s support to the police, including resources to facilitate the speedy arrest and prosecution of anyone involved in such crimes.
He warned vandals to seek other legitimate means of livelihood or leave the state, stressing that government will leave no stone unturned in ending vandalism and the theft of public property under the guise of scrap merchandising.
Dr. Aguiyi appealed to market and community leaders, as well as members of the public, to report vandals to the authorities whenever they witness anyone profiting personally from what should be the commonwealth of the people.
