Benin, Edo – The activities of metal scavengers, popularly known as 'Iron Condemn' in Benin City and environ has become a source of worry to residents, following the high rate of vandalism and other crimes in their area.

The residents, who called from their different locations in the state, into a radio program aired every Sunday on ITV/Radio Benin, lamented that they no longer feel safe.

They called on Edo state government to ban the activities of 'Iron Condemn' across the Benin metropolis.

According to them, governor Monday Okpebholo should emulate his Delta state counterpart, governor Sheriff Obovrevwori to prohibit scrap metal scavenging which created opportunity for criminally minded individuals to have unfettered access to residential areas.

"My co in-law, the engine press wen he dey use for him mill; for where he dey mill oil, before them com from church dem remove the engine carry comot.. .

"Dis thing wen dey happen so for Benin; for Asaba dem don ban am, because dem don too cause havoc to many people.", One caller into the pidgin English radio program 'People Talk To People' lamented

The radio callers, who made references to stealing of manhole covers, vandalization of electricity installations, personal properties, amongst other things urged governor Okpebholo to act, in other to avert the breakdown of law and order anywhere in the state as a result of metal scavenging activities.

BENDEL Mirror earlier in May reported that Delta state government placed a ban on Okada and 'Iron Condemn' scavenging in Asaba and environ, due to the preponderance of crimes being committed with commercial motorcycles and the frequently reported cases of vandalism of public facilities by the scavengers.