Community vigilantes arrest electricity vandals in Adamawa – YEDC
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) on Monday said a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandalism has been recorded through the arrest of suspected vandals in Adamawa.
Mr Olugbenga Adebola, the YEDC Head of Corporate Communication, who disclosed this in a statement in Yola, said the suspected vandals were apprehended at Sebore Guga Community along Jada road, by vigilantes.
Adebola attributed the success of the operation to the company’s ongoing effort to combat the illegal tampering of power infrastructure, which had been a persistent challenge in distribution of electricity in the region.
Read Also: Fire claims 7 family members in Kano
He identified the suspects, presently in custody as Emmanuel Kefas (45), Jonah Linus (39), and Mustapha Aliyu (38), adding that one suspect, Biri Modibbo, was currently at large and being pursued by the authorities.
Adebola noted that the suspects would be charged to court following completion of thorough investigation into their activities.
The communication head recalled that recently, YEDC substation vandals have attempted to cut cables at Target junction and Ghana Crescent at Bekaji Estate in Yola.
He said that the vandals were chased away before they could cart away major parts of the substation, saying similar incidents were recorded in regions where YEDC operate.
“Vandalism of electricity infrastructure not only poses a threat to reliable supply of electricity but also endangers lives of individuals involved in such illegal activities,” Adebola stated.
He however reiterated the organisation’s commitment to taking decisive action against anyone involved in such criminal act to ensure safety and security of power supply for the communities it serves.
He stressed that the successful arrest of the suspects would serve as testament to the collaborative efforts between YEDC, vigilante community members and law enforcement agencies in addressing issues of vandalism within their operational areas.
Adebola further urged the public to support YEDC and law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities related to electricity infrastructure to prevent further act of vandalism and ensure safe and uninterrupted electricity supply.
