Security operatives from a neighborhood watch stationed along Ngwa Road by the Old Court in Aba, the commercial hub of Abia State, have apprehended a man attempting to vandalize power infrastructure belonging to Aba Power.
The suspect, identified as Uchenna Iroha, was caught in the act while trying to steal components from a 500kVA distribution transformer in the area. Unbeknownst to him, security personnel had been closely monitoring his movements, according to Engr. Ken Agu, Chief Security Officer of Geometric Power Group, the parent company of Aba Power Electric Company.
“Uchenna, a native of the Ohuhu community in Umuahia, has been linked to two previous cases of transformer vandalism in recent times,” revealed Edise Ekong, Aba Power’s Brand and Communications Manager, in a statement.
Authorities are now investigating whether Iroha acted alone or was part of a larger syndicate targeting power installations. Ekong stated that Engr. Agu has assured the public that the Nigeria Police Force at the Ndiegoro Division in Aba will conduct a thorough inquiry into the matter.
Ekong also commended the host community for its vigilance in protecting the transformer, which had been vandalized twice before, each time plunging homes and businesses into darkness for days and leading to costly repairs.
“It is alarming that a handful of criminals continue to disrupt livelihoods by stealing transformer components and selling them as scrap to unscrupulous dealers,” Engr. Agu lamented.
He expressed confidence that as power supply in Aba and its environs continues to improve, residents will take greater responsibility in safeguarding electricity infrastructure, recognizing their role as key stakeholders in the power value chain.
