A suspected vandal identified as Samuel Ebuka Umenze has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing property of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC).
The suspect, a first-year student of Agric Extension with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was arrested at the school premises with large quantities of peeled coated cables and sophisticated equipment used for vandalism.
The Nation gathered that the suspect, an indigene of Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, was apprehended by the institution’s security.
While confessing to the crime, the suspect claimed he carried out the act alone during night classes which he sold to a buyer in Onitsha.
Confirming the arrest, Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh in a statement, said investigation is already ongoing to arrest the receiver of these vandalized items.
He added, “In a related development, on Monday, at Oshituma, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, three vandal suspects identified as Fleke Kingsley, Egbo Friday, and Okefe Stanley were arrested by the community vigilante while in possession of 3 bags containing about 6 spans of aluminum conductors suspected to belong to EEDC.
“Also, recently at Abakaliki, a suspect identified as Chinemere Obiah was arrested by Civil Security Guards attached to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in possession of upriser cables suspected to belong to EEDC.”
While decrying increasing rate EEDC facilities were being attacked by vandals, Eze called on customers to remain vigilant and ensure the electricity installations serving them were not attacked by vandals.
“There is no day that passes without a report of a vandalized facility in our network.
“This is inconveniencing our customers and making us deploy the scarce resources meant for other projects into the replacement of the vandalised items, and this is no longer sustainable”.
Ezeh confirmed that the arrested vandals have been handed over to the respective police formations for detailed investigation and possible prosecution.
He appealed to customers to see the electricity facility within their neighborhood as their own property and raise alarm anytime they suspect strange and suspicious activity within such a facility.
“We should all work together as stakeholders to checkmate this ugly trend.
“On behalf of EEDC, I appreciate the various vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch within our franchise area for their consistent support in fighting this ugly trend.
“I also thank various state security agencies for their continued support,” he added.
