The Benue State Environmental Sanitation Agency (BENSESA) on Saturday, August 25, 2018 arrested no fewer than 500 Makurdi residents for allegedly defaulting in the state’s monthly sanitation, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.
General Manager of BENSESA, Mr Andrew Chile, who confirmed the arrests, told NAN that the defaulters would be charged to the state’s Environmental Sanitation Court.
Chile lamented the poor attitude of residents to sanitation issues, warning that it would no longer be business as usual and that arresting, and prosecuting of offenders had commenced in full force.
He explained that the approach of ensuring clean environment adopted in the past did not yield positive results hence the need to introduce punitive measures such as heavy fines or imprisonment to serve as deterrents.
A NAN correspondent, who monitored the sanitation reported that some areas, including Wadata, North Bank, Wurukum, Kashim Ibrahim Way, Welfare Quarters, Kanshio, Barracks and Modern Market Roads, witnessed low turnout of residents.
However, at Gboko Road, High Level and George Akume Way, residents were seen clearing their surroundings and drainage channels while others were cutting over-grown weeds and grasses.
Speaking to NAN, two residents, Mr Tersoo Aho and Mr Mnena Vugh, who were seen participating in the cleaning, said they always used the period to engage in thorough cleaning of their surroundings.
By Bridget Ikyado
