By Amaka Isikala
The Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Clem Aguiyi, has reiterated the state government’s commitment to protecting public infrastructure and ensuring that individuals involved in the vandalisation of government property are brought to justice. Dr. Aguiyi made the declaration during a visit to the Okpoko Divisional Police Headquarters on Sept. 4, following an operation by the Ministry’s Scrap Monitoring Team at Relief Market, Okpoko, in Ogbaru Local Government Area.
The operation led to the arrest of a suspected vandal and the recovery of government-installed iron barricades allegedly dismantled for sale as scrap. The arrest followed intelligence received by the Scrap Monitoring Team that some individuals were allegedly cutting the iron barricades into smaller pieces and removing them from the area for sale.
Acting on the information, the team raided the market and apprehended one suspect, while other alleged members of the group reportedly fled the scene. The team subsequently alerted the Okpoko Divisional Police, whose officers arrived promptly and took the suspect into custody.
The dismantled iron barricades, which had reportedly been loaded onto a truck, were also recovered. Police investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged vandalism and identify other persons believed to be involved.
Speaking during the visit, Dr. Aguiyi described the vandalisation of public infrastructure as an attack on the collective resources of Ndi Anambra, stressing that such acts would not be tolerated.
He explained that public facilities, including iron barricades, streetlights, bridge manholes and other infrastructure, were provided at considerable cost to protect lives, promote public safety and improve the quality of life of residents. According to him, the destruction or removal of such facilities not only results in the loss of public resources but also creates serious safety risks for residents.
The commissioner recalled that he had declared a zero-tolerance policy towards vandalism upon assuming office, adding that efforts had commenced to restructure the ministry’s task force operations to enhance surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement.
“There will be no hiding place for vandals. Anyone caught vandalising public infrastructure will face the full weight of the law,” he said.
Dr. Aguiyi commended members of the Scrap Monitoring Team for their vigilance and praised the Divisional Police Officer, Mr. Austin Okafor, for the prompt response that resulted in the arrest and recovery of the vandalised materials. He assured the public that the Ministry would continue to collaborate with the police to identify, apprehend and prosecute all persons connected with the alleged offence.
The commissioner also urged market leaders, community stakeholders and residents across the state to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving government infrastructure to the appropriate authorities.
Amaka Isikala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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