Environmental Taskforce on Saturday arrested about 50 persons in Benin City for allegedly violating the Edo State environmental sanitation laws.

The suspects were arrested in the Egor Local Government Area of the state as the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in the state, Saidi Akintayo, led a monitoring operation across the city.

The operation covered strategic areas such as Third East Circular Road Junction, Sapele Road, Ekiosa Market, Siloko Road, Ugbowo and New Benin Market amongst others.

Mr Akintayo said that the exercise aimed at ensuring compliance with the monthly environmental sanitation directive of the Edo State Government.

The commandant, who led his management team, said the exercise also aligned with the corps’ renewed drive to support federal and state efforts toward maintaining a clean, safe, and healthy environment for residents.

“A clean environment is a healthy environment. It is our collective duty as citizens to ensure that our surroundings are kept clean at all times. The corps will continue to support government efforts by enforcing compliance and sensitising the public on the importance of environmental hygiene,” he said.

During the exercise, residents and traders were seen sweeping drains, clearing refuse, and cleaning up their premises, a development the NSCDC boss described as “encouraging.”

The commandant’s team later visited the local government secretariat, where he was received by the Executive Chairman, Osaro Eribo.

At the secretariat, the 50 suspected offenders were arraigned before a mobile court.

The commandant lauded the synergy among local authorities, the environmental task force, and security agencies, describing it as crucial to sustaining the gains of the exercise.

He reiterated the NSCDC’s readiness to enforce environmental laws, support public health initiatives, and maintain peace and order across Edo.

“Our presence underscores the corps’ unwavering commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment. We will continue to stand with the government to ensure Edo remains clean and safe for all,” he added.

In a similar development, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Gabriel Idusere, who joined the monitoring, commended residents for their cooperation.

He, however, acknowledged public complaints about the delay in refuse evacuation.

Mr Idusere assured that the council had put in place measures for prompt waste collection, particularly in markets and densely populated areas. 

(NAN)