A suspected vandal, identified as 27-year-old Chidiebere Ohama from Umuariaga Ohoma in Ikwuano Local Government Area, has been arrested in Umuahia for allegedly stealing a ladder belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) at Mission Hill, ABN TV reports.
Ohama was apprehended in the early hours of Friday, August 2025, by members of a local vigilante group while attempting to flee the area. During interrogation, he confessed to dismantling the ladder and selling it to a scrap dealer, identified as Chima, at New Road, Umuahia.
In his confession, Ohama revealed that he resides in a forest area in Umuahia, alongside other suspected vandals identified as Arinze, Chiluwa, Chimdia, and Chigozie. According to him, the group has been vandalising both government and private properties.
“I take drugs, mainly SK and Igbo (Indian hemp),” Ohama said. “I wanted to use the money from selling stolen items to travel to Libya. I am begging for forgiveness. My father is late, and my mother lives in the village.”
A vigilante operative, Mr. Chinonye Ikwuagwu, who was on duty at Mission Hill, told ABN TV that persistent thefts have plagued the area; “They have been vandalising government and private properties here for a long time,” Ikwuagwu said. “They come all the way from the forest near New Road to Mission Hill, both in the day and night. Whenever you catch them, they claim it’s their first time. Thank God we caught one today.”
The suspect has been handed over to the Rapid Response Squad of the Central Police Station, Umuahia, for further investigation and prosecution.
The arrest highlights growing concerns over the rising cases of vandalism in Abia State, which have resulted in substantial losses for public utilities and private property owners. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly.
