By Yemi Balogun
In recent times, Kogi State has witnessed commendable efforts from Governor Usman Ododo and his administration to combat the escalating issue of insecurity. However, there is yet a lesser-known but worrisome movements of scavengers at night time which is increasing criminal activities perpetrated under the guise of “scavenging” in our neighborhoods.
This rising security threat perpetrated by some individuals masquerading as scavengers under the cover of darkness does not only jeopardize the safety of our neighborhoods and public property, but also demands decisive action from the Kogi State government.
Traditionally, scavengers have played an a very beautiful role in waste management and the collection of recyclable materials. However, this noble profession has been infiltrated by criminal elements seeking to hide under the guise of scavenging.
Many individuals now masquerade as scavengers during the day, meticulously observing residents’ routines and vulnerabilities. As night falls, they remove their scavenger outfit and transform into opportunistic thieves, targeting unsuspecting households.
This inside knowledge makes them highly effective in their criminal endeavors.
In a close observation, these disguised criminals exploit the cover of darkness to break into homes, often utilizing the knowledge gained during their daytime scavenging activities. They are aware of which houses are unoccupied during specific hours, the location of valuables, and even the habits of household members.
The activities of these disguised scavengers have severe security implications on Kogi residents;
the constant fear of theft and burglary erodes public trust and creates an atmosphere of anxiety within communities, the constant fear of losing valuables disrupts the peace and tranquility of residents which negatively impacts the economic well-being of households.
The repercussions of this trend is multifaceted; from fostering a pervasive climate of fear within our communities to disturbing the peace of residents which ushers in constant anxiety about potential burglary, undermines public trust and directly impacts the economic well-being of families. In the wake of this, it is crucial for the Kogi State government to act decisively and implement a collaborative strategy to combat this lesser-known evil before it degenerates into a full blown security threat.
To effectively address this menace, a stringent licensing system for all scavengers operating within the state should be established without delay. Such a system would provide a framework for identifying legitimate scavengers while simultaneously weeding out those with ulterior, criminal motives.
Furthermore, increasing police patrols, particularly during evening hours in areas patronized by scavengers, is essential to restoring public trust in our government.
In addition to law enforcement initiatives, community awareness campaigns will help to educate residents about the dangers posed by these disguised criminals and to provide vital safety tips.
Equally important is fostering collaboration with local communities, encouraging active participation in the identification and reporting of suspicious individuals. In this collective effort lies the power to restore confidence and safety among Kogi residents.
The issue of scavengers-turned-thieves is one that cannot be ignored. The Kogi State government must take swift and proactive measures to curb this growing problem.
