The Ondo House of Assembly has called for stringent measures and regulations to curb the activities of scavengers. 

The call came amid concerns over the rising spate of crimes linked to the activities of the scavengers. 

During a plenary on Thursday, the lawmakers alleged scavengers were involved in rape, theft and burglary, including trespassing.

Olamide Oladiji, the speaker of the parliament, called for the registration and identification of all scavengers in Ondo. 

Mr Oladiji said the measures to curb the scavengers’ activities will include issuing uniforms and ID cards to them.

“This move aims to curb theft, assaults, and other security threats while ensuring that scavenging remains a structured and lawful economic activity,” the speaker said. 

He said the lawmakers have resolved to address the activities of the group by using a “multifaceted approach” in collaboration with the government and the ministry of environment. 

He said the measures would include enforcing laws regulating scavenging, covering environmental protection, public health, and safety. 

Mr Oladiji urged local government chairpersons to register scavengers and issue identity cards to them.

“Additionally, we resolved that collecting data on individuals supplying materials to scavengers is crucial for tracking and regulating their activities, while landlords should also be proactive and ensure that scavengers are not allowed to operate within their communities.

“Law enforcement agencies should also be alerted to arrest any unregistered scavengers to help curb criminal activities and ensure that scavengers operate within the law,” the Ondo assembly speaker stated.