No fewer than 50 residents of Benin City have been arrested by the Edo State Environmental Taskforce for allegedly violating the state’s environmental sanitation laws during the monthly cleanup exercise on Saturday.
The suspects were apprehended in Egor Local Government Area during a monitoring exercise led by the new Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Mr. Saidi Akintayo.
The operation covered major parts of the city, including Third East Circular Road Junction, Sapele Road, Ekiosa Market, Siloko Road, Ugbowo, and New Benin Market.
Speaking after the exercise, Akintayo said the arrests were part of efforts to ensure strict compliance with the Edo State Government’s monthly environmental sanitation directive.
“A clean environment is a healthy environment. It is our collective responsibility as citizens to ensure that our surroundings are kept clean at all times,” Akintayo said.
“The NSCDC will continue to enforce compliance and support the government in sensitising the public on the importance of environmental hygiene.”
He explained that the exercise aligned with the Corps’ renewed commitment to supporting both federal and state governments in promoting a clean, safe, and healthy environment.
During the cleanup, traders and residents were seen clearing drains, sweeping streets, and cleaning up their premises — a development Akintayo described as “encouraging and commendable.”
The commandant and his team later visited the Egor Local Government Secretariat, where they were received by the Executive Chairman, Mr. Osaro Eribo.
The 50 offenders were subsequently arraigned before a mobile court for prosecution.
Akintayo commended the collaboration between local councils, the Environmental Taskforce, and security agencies, describing it as vital to maintaining environmental standards and public order.
“Our presence here today reinforces the NSCDC’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment. We will continue to partner with the government to keep Edo clean and safe,” he added.
Similarly, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government, Mr. Gabriel Idusere, who also monitored the exercise, applauded residents for their cooperation during the sanitation.
However, he acknowledged public concerns about delays in refuse collection and assured that the council was working to address the issue.
“We have put in place new measures to ensure prompt waste evacuation, especially in markets and densely populated areas,” Idusere said.
The Edo State Government reiterated its resolve to enforce environmental sanitation laws and urged residents to take personal responsibility for maintaining cleanliness in their surroundings.
