A bill for a law to prohibit and regulate the activities of scavengers in Benue has passed second reading at the state House of Assembly.

At the plenary on Friday in Makurdi, the minority whip, Cephas Dyako (LP/Konshisha), said that the aim was to regulate the movement and activities of scrap metal and scavengers, otherwise known as ‘iron condemned buyers’.

Mr Dyako said that the bill sought to register and ascertain the identities and addresses of persons who deal in scrap metals with a view to reaching them whenever the need arises.

“Also, to discern between genuine scrap metal scavengers and obscure criminal elements who disguise themselves as scavengers. This bill could not have come at a better time than now, a time when Benue people are faced with insecurity and existential threats from different angles.

“This time in our history, therefore, reminds us of the need to take every piece of information very seriously in order to be proactive and prepare for the rainy day.

“It is on this note that I invite all members to support this bill and allow it to be read the second time,” Mr Dyako said.

Bemdoo Ipusu (APC/Katsina-Ala), who supported the bill, said that some of the invaders come to the state as iron condemn buyers, adding that the buyers allegedly gave information to criminals.

Mr Ipusu said that there should be designated sites where people who want to sell their items could go and sell, adding that they should be given uniforms too for easy identification if need be.

Also, Samuel Mato (APC/Kwande East) said that the bill was the most important bill in the life of the assembly, saying that the scavengers had caused a lot of problems in the state.

Mr Mato said that they brought a lot of criminal activities to Judges’ Quarters and its environs; as such, they should be restricted.

The speaker of the House, Hyacinth Dajoh, later directed the clerk of the House, John Hwande, to read the bill the second time.

Mr Dajoh said that, having read the bill for the second time, it should be referred to the House standing committees on water resources and environment, as well as local government, security and chieftaincy affairs.

He said that the bill should be slated for a debate in two weeks’ time.

(NAN)