LG boss bans scavenging activities in Ahiazu Mbaise
Joseph Irikefe
Determined to ensure effective security of lives and properties and wiping out threats of insecurity in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, the Executive Chairman of Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Chief Larry Odom, has issued a directive banning all forms of movements of scavengers, also known as ‘akpakara’ in local parlance, across the villages, streets, and residential areas within the local government area.
The directive of the LG boss, Advocacy Times learnt is in line the policy thrust of the Executive Governor of Imo State, His Excellency Senator Hope Uzodinma on nipping security threats in buds and ensure that the state is adequately secured for rapid economic growth.
This announcement was formally made during the monthly meeting of the Traditional Rulers of the LGA, held on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, at the LGA headquarters in Afor-Oru, where the Chairman emphasised the urgent need to restrict the activities of roaming scavengers for security and safety reasons.
The directive stated that henceforth, No scavenger is permitted to move around homes, villages, or neighborhoods collecting scraps. All scavenger-related business must now be conducted strictly within designated dump sites. The public is advised to take their recyclable or scrap items directly to the scavengers at their approved locations, and All scavengers are mandated to maintain accurate records of persons who sell scrap materials to them, for monitoring and security tracking purposes.
A statement by Comrade Uchechukwu Wisdom, Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Chairman, stated that the order takes immediate effect, even as violators will be apprehended and handed over to the relevant authorities for prosecution.
He urged the general public, especially Traditional Rulers, Town Union Presidents, Youth Leaders, and Vigilante groups, to ensure strict compliance across all communities.
He affirmed that “this is part of the local government’s efforts to curb rising security concerns, prevent criminal infiltration, and promote organized waste recycling practices.