● Ferdy Agu
Vigilante operatives on Ngwa Road, near the Old Court in Aba, Abia State, have apprehended a man attempting to vandalize a key power distribution facility belonging to Aba Power, the electricity distribution arm of Geometric Power.
The suspect, identified as Uchenna Iroha, was caught in the act as he prepared to steal components from a 500kVA distribution transformer. Unaware that security operatives had been tracking his movements, he was swiftly arrested, according to Engr. Ken Agu, Chief Security Officer of Geometric Power.
“Uchenna, an indigene of the Ohuhu community in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has for some time been suspected of involvement in the vandalism against the distribution transformer on two previous occasions in recent times,” explained Edise Ekong, Aba Power’s Brand and Communications Manager, in a statement.
Investigations are ongoing to determine whether the suspect acted alone or as part of a network of vandals, Ekong added, citing the security chief.
The suspect identified as Uchenna Iroha
“The Divisional Police Office of the Nigeria Police Force at Ndiegoro in Aba is thorough, and we expect its men to do a good job,” Engr. Agu stated.
Ekong commended the host community for actively safeguarding the transformer following previous incidents of vandalism.
“Each theft left the community, businesses, and households in darkness for days until the facility was repaired at a huge cost,” he noted.
Engr. Agu condemned the actions of vandals who disrupt lives and businesses by stealing copper wires and other electrical components, which are then sold to unscrupulous dealers and scavengers.
“We are delighted that as the power supply to Aba and its environs improves drastically, Aba Power continues to earn the confidence of the people. We trust that communities will remain committed stakeholders in the electricity value chain, ensuring better protection of power infrastructure in their areas,” he stated.
