By Kamil Opeyemi
An undergraduate, Samuel Umenze, and four other suspects have been arrested for vandalising property of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) within the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and Ebonyi.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr Emeka Ezeh, in Enugu on Friday.
Ezeh said that the undergraduate, Umenze, an indigene of Amesi, Aguata Local Government Area (LGA) of Anambra, is a first-year student of Agricultural Extension Department with the UNN in Enugu State.
He noted that the undergraduate was arrested on June 6 at the school premises by the institution’s security; while large quantities of peeled coated cables and sophisticated equipment used for vandalism were recovered from his room.
According to him, Umenze, while confessing to the crime, claimed he carries out the criminal act alone at night after classes and sells his loot to a buyer in Onitsha, Anambra.
Ezeh noted that “investigation is already ongoing to arrest the receiver of these vandalised items”.
In a related development, on Monday, June 5, at Oshituma, Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi; three vandal suspects identified as Kingsley Fleke, Friday Egbo, and Stanley Okefe were arrested.
The EEDC spokesman said that they were arrested by the community vigilante while in possession of 3 bags containing about 6 spans of aluminum conductors suspected to belong to EEDC.
Recently at Abakaliki, Ezeh said that a suspect identified as Chinemere Obiah, was arrested by Civil Security Guards attached to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki, Ebonyi, in possession of up-riser cables suspected to belong to EEDC.
He lamented the increasing rate at which EEDC facilities are being attacked by vandals, while calling on customers to remain vigilant and ensure that electricity installations serving them are not attacked by vandals.
“There is no day that passes without a report of a vandalised 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,” he said
He said that the arrested vandals had been handed over to the respective police formations for detailed investigation and possible prosecution.
Ezeh appealed to customers to see electricity facilities within their neighborhood as their own property and raise alarm anytime they suspect strange and suspicious activities within their facilities.
“We should all work together as stakeholders to checkmate this ugly trend.
“EEDC appreciates various vigilante groups, neighbourhood watch groups within its franchise area for their consistent support in fighting this ugly trend. The company also appreciates the various state security agencies for their continued support.”