Residents of Iloabuchi in Diobu, Port Harcourt, have raised an alarm over the incessant burning of tyres at the demolished Waterfront in the area.
This was after what could have been a major fire incident was averted at Akokwa Street by Iloabuchi on Sunday evening as a result of early intervention by residents due to the illegal act.
Residents say the scavengers as usual started the illegal act on Sunday night, when the fire escalated and almost entered buildings in the area.
A resident of the area identified as Bishop said the fire would have caused damages if not for the timely intervention of residents.
According to him, there was panic when he saw a thick cloud of smoke with fire coming from the Waterfront close to his house.
He said the scavengers escaped when they lost control of the fire leaving them to battle with it.
He revealed that they have been fighting perpetrators of the illegal act – which pollutes the environment by causing soot in the area, and makes breathing difficult for them.
He called on security operatives to always visit the waterfronts at nights to arrest those involved.
Another resident, Okey said if not for their timely intervention, it would have been a different story, as the fire was massive.
He explained that he once confronted the scavengers only to be beaten by them, adding that majority are cultists.
He called on security operatives to always visit the area at night to arrest those involved, and put an end to the menace.
The Rivers State Government had placed a ban on the burning of tyres as part of measures to check the black soot pollution that was being experienced around Port Harcourt and its environs.
