Two suspects have been arrested at various locations while vandalizing electricity installations belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc.
The Head, Corporate Communications of EEDC, Emeka Ezeh, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
Ezeh said the arrest was part of efforts by the organization in curbing activities of vandals across its network through the effective engagement of its stakeholders.
According to him, the vigilante operatives in Anambra apprehended a 27-year-old vandal suspect identified as Chidiebere Agbalusi, a native of Awo village in Oraifite, in possession of vandalized aluminum cable and a cutter on Thursday.
While at the Onuiyangan community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, the men of the Abia State vigilante group arrested a vandal suspect, identified as Chinaemerem Azubuike, while vandalizing aluminum conductors belonging to EEDC.
Ezeh commended the efforts of the security operatives while calling for more collaboration from members of the community in the fight against vandalism.
He confirmed that the suspects, along with the exhibits recovered, had been handed over to the relevant police formations for further investigation and possible prosecution.
He added that the incidents were coming barely a week after the lifeless body of a vandal suspect identified as Tochukwu Onah (a.k.a Toshiba) was found within the space of a distribution transformer belonging to EEDC at Ede Oballa, Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The statement read, “There are clear indications that the efforts being made by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc in curbing activities of vandals across its network through the effective engagement of its stakeholders, is yielding the desired result.
“This is evident as most communities are now more vigilant in protecting the electrical installations within their domain.
“We commend the efforts of the various vigilante groups in heeding the call by EEDC to ensure that activities of vandals are reduced drastically.
“There is no way EEDC can take on the fight against vandals all by itself, which is why it is depending on its stakeholders for collaboration and support.
“On Thursday at Oraifite, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State, the Central Vigilante apprehended a 27-year-old vandal suspect identified as Chidiebere Agbalusi, a native of Awo village in Oraifite, in possession of vandalized aluminum cable and a cutter.
“Similarly, on Monday, at Onuiyangan Community in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State, men of Bende vigilante arrested a vandal suspect, identified as Chinaemerem Azubuike, while vandalizing aluminum conductors belonging to EEDC.”
