EEDC links service disruption to activities of vandals,  confirms arrest of 8 suspected  vandals

From Chinedu Nwafor Abakaliki

The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC) has linked the service disruptions often experienced in some parts of its network to the activities of vandals,

A statement issued by the Head, Corporate Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, disclosed this on Thursday,

Ezeh confirmed that 8 suspected vandals involved in the attack of electrical installations belonging to EEDC, had been nabbed.

He lamented that the rise in the rate of vandalism had adversely affected the company’s service delivery to its customers.

He, however, commended the support of critical stakeholders and the various vigilante groups in nipping the ugly trend in the bud, noting that most of the arrests were made by the vigilant groups

 He attributed the support to the company’s consistent engagement with stakeholders on the need to ensure that the electrical installations sited within their neighbourhoods are protected from attack by vandals. 

“Over the weekend, a suspected vandal identified as Nonso Sunday Nwajonta, was arrested in possession of aluminum conductors (cables), by the youths of Ulakwo community, Owerri West Local Government Area, Imo State.

“Within the same period, with the assistance of Security men attached to Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Awka, Ifeanyi Onwe and Anthony Oselebe, were arrested for vandalizing a substation belonging to EEDC situated along Enugu-Onitsha Expressway, by Pioneer Students Hostel.

“Earlier in the month, at Uzuakoli, Abia State, the Ngwu relief distribution substation belonging to EEDC was attacked by vandals, and the upriser cable carted away, but with the intervention of Uzuakoli vigilante group, one of the vandals identified as Henry Nwachukwu was arrested, while three of his colleagues took to their heels. Efforts are being made by the Police to arrest the fleeing suspects.

“At Eziafor, Abia State, some members of vigilante group arrested the duo of Kingsley Uko Agwu and Ebere Ofia Uchendu, while vandalizing a feeder panel, property of EEDC,” he narrated.

Ezeh further explained that late August, Ogayi Chukwuka was arrested by members of Umuoru Amaechi community electricity committee in Ohaukwu Local Government Area, Ebonyi State, while vandalizing a distribution transformer belonging to EEDC, adding “items recovered from the suspect include 100mm2 aluminum conductor, 20m and 50mm2 copper conductor 5meters. 

“Similarly, the Nkpor vigilante group arrested one Ubaka Okafor for vandalizing Umusiome distribution substation, property of EEDC, carting away three Intermediate Cables, as well as the upriser cable.

“All the customers being fed by the attacked substations are currently subjected to blackout and untold inconveniences, and as a result, EEDC has not been able to live up to its responsibility owing to these acts perpetrated by the suspects”, Ezeh said.

He disclosed that all the suspects had been handed over to the Police for proper investigation and possible prosecution.

Ezeh encouraged customers to be more vigilant in ensuring that the electricity infrastructures within their environment are safe from vandals, so that the services EEDC offers to them will not be disrupted.