Reported by: Puis Althea | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Edo State House of Assembly has issued a strong condemnation of the rising wave of vandalism attributed to scavengers, popularly known as "Iron Condemn," and has directed security agencies to take decisive action to arrest those operating illegally across the state. The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader, Jonathan Ibhamawu, during plenary on Monday, July 20, 2026. Ibhamawu painted a grim picture of the scavengers' activities, alleging that they strip buildings of iron and valuables from homes and public facilities. He cited a personal incident where hoodlums destroyed the gate of his property on Ekenwan Road, ripped off roofing sheets, and carted away items. More alarmingly, he revealed that some scavengers were caught attempting to kidnap a little child hidden under refuse in their cart, highlighting the grave security risks posed by these criminal elements. “These acts worsen insecurity in our communities,” Ibhamawu said, urging security agencies to arrest and prosecute vandals and their accomplices, while also calling on residents to promptly report suspicious activities.
The motion received widespread support from lawmakers, including Edobor Uzamere, Sunday Aghedo, Osezua Ojezele, Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko, and Edosa Osaro, who all backed the call for tougher measures to safeguard lives and property. They stressed that appropriate punishment would serve as a deterrent to others engaging in similar criminal activities. Following deliberations, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku directed all security agencies in the state to take decisive action to stop scavengers from parading the streets and to apprehend those operating illegally. The directive mandates a coordinated effort to curb the activities of scavengers who have been accused of widespread vandalism and theft.
In another development, the House also considered, at second reading, a bill aimed at blocking revenue loss and improving tax compliance, transparency, accountability, and efficient cash management. Opening the debate, Ibhamawu raised alarm over continued revenue leakages and called for stronger accountability in collections to fund development projects. Members including Isibor Emakhu, Deputy Speaker Edeko, Ugabi, and Minority Leader Aiguobarueghian contributed to the debate. While the House agreed on the need to tighten revenue collection, further deliberations were deferred for wider consultation. The lawmakers also canvassed stricter tax compliance from shopping malls, hotels, cinemas, and other commercial outlets. Emakhu urged firm enforcement of existing tax laws, while Osaro recommended more investigation and stakeholder engagement before final decisions.
The Assembly also committed the bill seeking the imposition, collection, and administration of the Socio-Economic Development Levy to the Committees on Finance and Judiciary after debate. Additionally, the House received four letters from Governor Monday Okpebholo, seeking confirmation of appointees and consideration of executive bills. The Assembly paid tribute to the late Emmanuel Oronsaye, former Clerk of the House and former Chairman of the Edo State House of Assembly Service Commission. Speaker Agbebaku also congratulated Deputy Speaker Edeko on her daughter's wedding in Canada, and members celebrated Ibhamawu on his 60th birthday with prayers for his health and continued service. The plenary was adjourned to Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
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