The Edo State Public Property Protection Committee has launched an investigation into an alleged vandalism and attempted theft of air-conditioning units at New Era College in Benin City, leading to the arrest of suspected scavengers and a scrap dealer.
The incident reportedly occurred on Saturday when more than six air-conditioning units at the school were allegedly targeted and stolen by suspected illegal scavengers.
The suspects were, however, intercepted following a report from a concerned individual, prompting swift intervention by the Edo State Public Property Protection Committee and the State Scrap Regulatory and Monitoring Team.
Following the arrest of one of the suspects, officials visited the police station where he was being detained and directed him to lead them to the location where he allegedly sold vandalised and stolen equipment.
The operation subsequently led officials to a premises identified by the suspect, where a scrap dealer was arrested in connection with the alleged activities.
The committee is now investigating the circumstances surrounding the attempted theft and the alleged role of the suspects in the vandalism of the school’s facilities.
The development has renewed condemnation of the activities of illegal scavengers, whose operations have continued to pose a threat to public and private property across Edo State.
Valuable infrastructure and equipment have reportedly been targeted by suspected scavengers, with facilities dismantled and carted away for sale as scrap.
The latest incident at New Era College has further raised concerns over the need for stronger monitoring and enforcement against illegal scavenging and the unauthorised disposal of public and private property.
The Edo State Public Property Protection Committee and the State Scrap Regulatory and Monitoring Team are expected to intensify efforts to identify and disrupt networks involved in the alleged vandalism and trafficking of stolen equipment.
