LAGOS AUGUST 10TH (NEWSRANGERS)-In a shocking revelation, scavengers masquerading as waste pickers have been caught red-handed, stealing valuable property from unsuspecting residents in various parts of Lagos.
The brazen thieves, who blend in with genuine waste collectors, have been wreaking havoc in neighbourhoods, leaving residents feeling vulnerable and unsafe.
In the Igando area of Lagos, two scavengers were apprehended by vigilant residents while attempting to steal a generator in the early hours of the morning.
The thieves, who had been spying the neighbourhood, took advantage of the empty premises to strike, but their plan was foiled when they were caught by a few residents who had grown suspicious of their activities.
Similarly, in the busy Iponri Market, Yaro, another scavenger, was caught stealing cooking utensils from a caterer’s shop.
The suspect, who had also been posing as a waste collector, was found with a cart load of stolen items, including pots, pans, and utensils.
According to an eyewitness and a shop owner of the area, who simply identified himself as Jay, explained that these scavengers often stroll into accessible compounds, scouting the premises for valuable items to steal.
He said: “They come in the guise of picking waste, but their real intention is to steal anything of value they can lay their hands on. It’s like they have no fear of the law or consequences.”
The incidents have sparked widespread concern among residents, estate owners, and property managers. Many have taken drastic measures to prevent further losses, with some estates and households banning scavengers from entering their premises.
“We can’t afford to take chances anymore,” said an estate manager in Igando who spoke on anonymity.
“We have had too many incidents of theft, and we’re taking steps to protect our residents and their belongings. Scavengers are no longer allowed to enter our premises without proper identification and clearance,” he warned.
In another shocking incident, a scavenger who posed as a waste collector was caught red-handed, stealing an air conditioner from a residence in Park Street, Mushin area of Lagos. The suspect was apprehended by residents.
According to some residents of the street, the scavenger would often stroll into compounds, pretending to collect waste while secretly carting away valuable items.
A resident in the premises raised the alarm, and the scavenger was apprehended by a group of angry residents.
He denied not knowing the item was still in use, claiming it looked old and dirty like an abandoned property.
“He’s been doing this for a while now. He comes in the guise of collecting waste, but his real intention is to steal anything of value he can lay his hands on,” a resident pointed out.
“We need the authorities to take action against these scavengers. They’re a menace to our community.
“The incident serves as a reminder for residents to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to secure their homes and belongings,” said another resident.
The incident has sparked outrage among residents who are calling for increased security measures to prevent further incidents.
Saturday Sun investigation reveals that these scavengers often operate in broad daylight, posing as waste collectors while casing neighbourhoods for valuable items to steal.
Their modus operandi is to target vulnerable areas, such as unoccupied compounds or market stalls, where they can easily make away with valuables.
The stolen items are often sold to unscrupulous buyers, who then sell them to unsuspecting members of the public. The proceeds from these sales are then shared among the scavengers, who continue to prey on unsuspecting residents.
As the scourge of scavenger-related thefts continues to plague Lagos neighbourhoods, residents are calling on the authorities to take decisive action to address the problem.
Reacting to the menace, a local vigilante in Abule-Nla community, Akpan Asuquo, raised the alarm over the increasing activities of scavengers masquerading as waste pickers to steal valuables from residents.
According to Asuquo, who has been a vigilante in the community for four years, “Those scavengers are a menace! They’re taking advantage of people’s trust, disguising themselves as waste pickers to steal valuables.”
To combat this menace, Asuquo said he and his team have intensified patrols, especially at night, and work closely with neighbours to identify suspicious activities. “We usually catch them and hand them over to the authorities,” he stated.
Asuquo also disclosed that his team verifies the identities of waste collectors, ensuring they are authorised to operate within the community. “My goal is to keep the community safe and secure,” he emphasised.
In the same vein, another local vigilante of Iponri Estate, Festus Edewor cautioned that any waste collector caught stealing valuables will face the full wrath of the law.
Edewor, who has been keeping watch over the estate, stated: “If you’re caught stealing valuables in Iponri Estate, you’ll face the law. We verify IDs and monitor your activities. Don’t risk it. Honest work is better than trouble.”
He also advised residents to be vigilant and cautious, urging them to verify the identities of waste collectors before allowing them into their homes.
He said: “Residents, be cautious! Verify waste collectors’ IDs before allowing them in. Report suspicious activity to us immediately. Secure your valuables, and let’s work together to keep Iponri Estate safe.”
The vigilante also assured residents that his team would increase patrols and surveillance to prevent incidents of theft in the estate.
The vigilantes’ warnings come as residents express concern over the rising wave of theft in the community. Their efforts are seen as a welcome development in the quest to curb the menace.
Residents are urged to cooperate with the vigilante group to ensure the safety and security of the community.
The surge in theft and security breaches attributed to some waste collectors, popularly known as truck pushers, has raised concerns among residents and security experts in Lagos.
Many are now calling on the Lagos State Government to regulate the activities of these waste collectors to prevent further incidents.
Residents have reported cases of valuables going missing after interactions with some truck pushers, sparking fears about the safety and security of communities.
Vigilante groups and private security agencies have also stepped up efforts to monitor and verify the identities of waste collectors.
The call for regulation comes as a response to the growing insecurity linked to unregulated waste collection activities.
Residents believe that proper registration, identification, and monitoring of truck pushers could help mitigate these risks and ensure a safer environment for Lagos residents.
As the security of life and property of Lagos people is the obligation of the government, it remains to be seen whether the authorities will take concrete steps to address the menace of scavenger-related thefts.
However, one thing is certain, residents have vowed not to take these incidents anymore.
The Sun-Nigeria
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