NIGERIA NEWS

Benue’s Gwer West LGA Bans Scrap Iron Trading Amid Rising Insecurity

Benue’s Gwer West Council has banned scrap iron trading following deadly attacks that killed over 20 people.

Authorities say criminals are exploiting the trade to fuel insecurity in local communities.

In response to a disturbing rise in violence and insecurity, the Gwer West Local Government Area of Benue State has announced an immediate and total ban on the trading of scrap iron within its jurisdiction.

The decision was made public by the local government chairman, who described the move as a necessary step to curb activities that are allegedly contributing to the worsening security situation in the area. This drastic measure follows recent deadly attacks in several parts of the council area, including Aondana, where over 20 people among them a two-year-old child lost their lives in a string of brutal assaults.

“These attacks have left our communities shaken and traumatized,” the chairman said. “We cannot allow any activity that may be aiding or abetting insecurity to continue unchecked.”

Residents have raised concerns that the scrap iron business, once a source of livelihood for many, has increasingly become a channel for criminal operations. There have been reports of suspected attackers disguising themselves as scrap collectors to gain access to vulnerable communities or to scavenge remnants from conflict-ravaged areas, including destroyed homes and public infrastructure.

To address these risks, the local council has issued strict directives: anyone found buying, selling, or transporting scrap metal particularly from areas recently affected by violence will be arrested and prosecuted according to the law. Security operatives across the region have been put on high alert to enforce the ban effectively.

The chairman called on all residents to remain vigilant and assist in the implementation of the new directive by reporting any suspicious movements or transactions to law enforcement agencies.

“Security is a shared responsibility,” he emphasized. “We urge all well-meaning citizens to cooperate with our security forces and community leaders to restore peace and protect lives and property.”

The ban is one of several recent steps taken by the Gwer West local government to restore calm and prevent further loss of life. Authorities believe that restricting the scrap iron trade will help reduce the movement of criminal elements who exploit the business for illicit activities. It is also seen as a way to discourage the looting of abandoned properties and discourage the economic incentives that may be driving conflict.

Community leaders and local security committees have welcomed the decision, describing it as timely and essential in breaking the cycle of violence that has plagued the area. They acknowledged the economic implications for those involved in the trade but stressed that the safety of the entire community must take precedence.

In recent months, Benue State has seen a troubling increase in attacks, displacements, and destruction, particularly from armed herdsmen and other criminal groups. According to reports, at least 50 communities across five local government areas have been displaced by armed violence, with thousands of residents forced to flee their homes.

With the rainy season approaching and farmers hesitant to return to their fields due to fear of attacks, local authorities hope that restoring peace through such proactive measures will allow displaced residents to return and rebuild their lives.

As the situation unfolds, the state government and federal security agencies are being urged to provide more support to local councils like Gwer West, where the burden of tackling insecurity has become increasingly heavy.

Stanley Nwako

Nwako Stanley, Editor at Newskobo.com, is a seasoned journalist with 12+ years of experience. Beginning as a cub reporter at National Light… More »

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