The Chairman, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, Andrew Ogunsakin, said the council has lifted the ban on scavenging and scrap metal dealings in the area.

Mr Ogunsakin disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Okitipupa on Thursday.

He said the decision to lift the ban followed the successful completion of a comprehensive profiling and registration of individuals and operators in the business in the area.

Recall that the council banned scavenging and scrap metal activities on April 23, following security breaches in the area.

The council also ordered a profiling and registration of scavengers and scrap metal operators as a measure to checkmate criminal activities in the area.

Mr Ogunsakin noted that the ban was lifted after the biodata of the registered scavengers were captured and securely documented in the council’s database.

He said that the exercise would be continuous for updates and to accommodate new entrants.

He said: “To ensure sanity, accountability, and public safety, the council has issued official identification jackets and numbers, identity cards, and branded stickers to all verified scavengers. Only individuals in possession of these identifiers are authorised to operate within the council area.’’

He warned that anyone found engaging in scavenging without proper identification would be arrested and prosecuted, accordingly.

He called on the public to remain vigilant, cooperate with the authorities, and refrain from taking laws into their hands.

The council boss urged residents to promptly report any form of suspicious or illicit activities to the appropriate security agencies or the local government for swift action.

He assured the residents that the council remained committed to ensuring a safe, organised, and inclusive economic environment for all lawful businesses and the people in Okitipupa LG.

(NAN)