Firm confirms arrest of two suspected transformer vandals in Anambra

The management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has confirmed the arrest of two suspects allegedly involved in the vandalisation of a transformer at the Urunkpuke Distribution Substation, Nimo, in Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

In a press statement on Thursday, the Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, said the suspects, identified as Nonso Okolodile and Emeka Onyeugwo, both natives of Nimo, were arrested by members of the Nimo Vigilante Group.

Okafor added that their arrest followed a report from the company’s Feeder Manager in the area concerning the vandalisation of the electricity transformer.

According to him, upon receiving the report of the vandalism, FirstPower contacted the vigilante group and requested that the suspects be handed over to the police for proper investigation.

He said, “The suspects were subsequently taken to the Nimo Divisional Police Station, where they are currently being held for preliminary investigation. It has also been requested that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for further and discreet investigation.

“The arrest followed concerns over the vandalisation of the Urunkpuke DSS transformer, one of the critical electricity distribution assets serving customers in the area.

“A tool being used by the suspected vandals and parts of the vandalised items were also recovered from the scene. Vandalisation of transformers and other electricity infrastructure disrupts electricity supply to communities and impose significant costs on the distribution system.

“FirstPower commends the Nimo Vigilante Group for its intervention and cooperation with the Company and the security agencies in apprehending the suspects.

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“The Management reiterates that vandalism of electricity infrastructure is a serious criminal act that threatens electricity supply, damages valuable public infrastructure and affects customers who depend on the facilities for their homes, businesses and other activities.

“Just last week, the company raised an alarm over the high rate of vandalism on its infrastructure, revealing that no fewer than 73 major cases of vandalism of electricity infrastructure have been recorded across different parts of the State between January and September, with their consequential effects on the company’s services to customers and expenses record.”

The company therefore urged residents and community leaders across its network to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around transformers, substations, poles, cables and other electricity installations to the appropriate authorities or through FirstPower’s established whistleblowing channels.

“FirstPower will continue to collaborate with security agencies, community groups and other relevant stakeholders to protect its distribution infrastructure and ensure that those found culpable of vandalising electricity installations are brought before the appropriate authorities for necessary action in accordance with the law.

“The Company also assures customers in Nimo and other affected communities that it remains committed to restoring and improving electricity supply while working with stakeholders to safeguard the distribution network,” the statement added.