The Gombe State Government has imposed an immediate ban on the scrap metal trade, popularly known as Bola Jari, following growing concerns over vandalism of public infrastructure and rising security risks linked to the business.
The decision was reached at an expanded meeting of the State Security Council presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, after a detailed review of security reports across the state.
Announcing the outcome of the meeting, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Zubair Muhammad Umar, said the Council was alarmed by the persistent destruction of public assets, especially school facilities, which he noted often end up in the hands of scrap metal dealers.
“The Council expressed serious concern over the persistent vandalisation of school infrastructure and other public assets, which often find their way into the hands of scrap metal dealers,” Umar said.
He explained that operators in the scrap metal business lack a coordinated structure, recognised leadership and an effective regulatory framework, making the trade difficult to monitor.
“In view of these developments, the Council has, with immediate effect, banned all Bola Jari activities across the state. This ban will remain in force until the dealers properly organise themselves under a recognised leadership, after which the government will designate a controlled operating centre under strict security supervision,” he added.
As part of broader security measures, the Attorney General disclosed that the Council also resolved to strengthen surveillance across the state, particularly with regard to new residents.
According to him, anyone seeking to reside or rent accommodation in Gombe State will now be properly profiled, with personal details documented to aid intelligence gathering and security verification.
“Anyone coming into Gombe State to reside or rent accommodation must have their personal information properly documented. This will allow security agencies to access such information whenever the need arises,” Umar stated.
On farmer herder conflicts, he said the government has constituted an enforcement committee to implement the White Paper on Grazing Reserves and Cattle Routes, which followed a report by a committee chaired by a retired Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Zubairu Muazu.
“The enforcement committee will ensure that every inch of gazetted grazing reserves and cattle routes encroached upon is fully reclaimed,” he said, adding that the move is aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence and improving internal security.
The Commissioner of Police, Gombe State Command, Umar Ahmad Chuso, also briefed the Council on recent incidents of abduction and killings in Pindiga, Akko Local Government Area.
Describing the incidents as unfortunate, the police boss assured residents that security agencies are intensifying efforts to rescue the abducted victims and apprehend those responsible.
“The police, in collaboration with other security agencies, are tracking down the perpetrators and will ensure that the abductees are rescued unhurt,” he said, noting that the governor has directed the submission of a detailed investigation report.
Similarly, the Emir of Yamaltu, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, said the Council resolved to strengthen local security architecture through the deployment of vigilante groups and local hunters to support conventional security agencies.
“These local vigilantes and hunters will work hand in hand with the police and other security agencies to ensure holistic security surveillance across the state,” he said.
The governor also directed local government chairpersons and traditional rulers to begin weekly security review meetings at the grassroots to assess developments and take proactive steps to protect lives and property across Gombe State.
