The Edo State House of Assembly on Monday condemned the rising cases of vandalism by scavengers, popularly called “Iron Condemn”, and called on security agencies to arrest those operating illegally.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by the Majority Leader, Jonathan Ibhamawu, during plenary.
Ibhamawu said the scavengers strip buildings of iron and valuables from homes and public facilities. He cited an attack on his property on Ekenwan Road where hoodlums destroyed the gate, ripped off roofing sheets, and carted away items.
He also raised alarm over security concerns, noting that some scavengers were caught attempting to kidnap a little child hidden under refuse in their cart.
“These acts worsen insecurity in our communities,” he said, urging security agencies to arrest and prosecute vandals and their accomplices. He also called on residents to report suspicious activities promptly.
Contributing to the debate, Edobor Uzamere, Sunday Aghedo, Osezua Ojezele, Deputy Speaker Maria Edeko, and Edosa Osaro backed the motion and called for tougher measures to safeguard lives and property. They stressed that appropriate punishment would serve as a deterrent.
After 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.
In another development, the House at second reading considered a bill aimed at blocking revenue loss and improving tax compliance, transparency, accountability, and efficient cash management.
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Opening debate, Ibhamawu raised alarm over continued revenue leakages and called for stronger accountability in collections to fund development projects.
Members including Isibor Emakhu, Edeko, Ugabi, and Minority Leader Aiguobarueghian contributed. While the House agreed on the need to tighten revenue collection, further deliberations were deferred for wider consultation.
The House 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 Speaker directed that debate on revenue and tax issues resume at a later sitting.
The bill seeking the imposition, collection, and administration of the Socio-Economic Development Levy and other services was also committed to the Committees on Finance and Judiciary after debate.
The House received four letters from the 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.
Agbebaku also congratulated Edeko on her daughter’s wedding in Canada.
Members celebrated Ibhamawu on his 60th birthday with prayers for his health and continued service.
The plenary was adjourned to Tuesday, 21 July 2026.
