Security operatives from a neighborhood watch stationed along Ngwa Road by the Old Court in Aba, Abia State’s commercial hub, have apprehended a man attempting to vandalize power infrastructure belonging to Aba Power.
The suspect, identified as Uchenna Iroha, was caught in the act as he prepared to steal components from a 500kVA distribution transformer in the area. Unknown to him, vigilant security personnel had been 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 a suspect in two previous cases of transformer vandalism in recent times,” revealed Edise Ekong, Aba Power’s Brand and Communications Manager, in a statement.
Authorities are investigating whether Iroha acted alone or was part of a larger network of vandals, Ekong noted, citing assurances from Engr. Agu that the Nigeria Police Force at Ndiegoro Division in Aba will conduct a thorough inquiry.
Ekong commended the host community for its vigilance in safeguarding the transformer, which had been vandalized twice before. Each incident plunged homes and businesses into darkness for days, necessitating costly repairs.
“It is appalling that a few miscreants disrupt livelihoods by stealing transformer components to sell as scrap to unscrupulous dealers,” Engr. Agu lamented.
He expressed optimism that as power supply in Aba and its environs continues to improve, residents will intensify efforts to protect electricity infrastructure, recognizing their role as key stakeholders in the power value chain.
