Scrap traders not scavengers, group insists 

By Edith Igbokwe

Traders buying and selling metal scraps are protesting reports identifying them as scavengers and lamenting that the tag is unfair

They also condemned the belief that they deal in stolen properties as many of them were randomly arrested by the police, saying the field they have chosen to make their daily bread should not be taken as act of theft.

One of the certified metal dealers operating at Club Road, Afijalo, Mafoluku Oshodi, Saheed Akinranti, clarified that the trade is a legal one just like other businesses.

He stated: “Police believe we are prone to crime due to the nature of our job and we encounter embarrassment which leads to unjust arrest and then pay to be released.”

He further disclosed that the business is legal and that they are under a registered association that is genuine.

He said the challenge of the business outweighs the gain, considering the loss or misfortune incurred because of negative identification