Two suspected vandals impersonating as staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), have been apprehended at the scenes of crime at Okhoro and Cemetery roads in Benin.
This was contained in a statement by Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, Head, Branding and Cooperate Communications of BEDC Electricity PLC on Sunday in Benin.
Gbiwen noted that one of the suspects (names withheld) allegedly vandalised a 200KVA and 500KVA substations located at Play House and Iyayi in the locality.
She said the suspect allegedly paraded himself as a BEDC staff with an identity card at the time he was arrested.
Gbiwen said the suspect was apprehended with 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Play House, 200 kva Substation and 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Iyayi 500 kva substation.
She disclosed that another suspect (names withheld) was also caught with stolen items from various substations.
She explained that the suspect was allegedly caught with 10 meters of copper wire from a 500kva power transformer at Third Cemetery, Benin.
She said that the suspect was also caught with 20 meters of 500mm2 cable from a 500kva substation at Old Rubber Board Road in Benin.
Gbiwen, who described the suspects arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandals, stressed the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.
“we are resolute in our fight against vandalism, as it doesn’t only affects our operations, but also tarnishes our reputation.
“We urge communities to be vigilant and guard their substations, as we work together to prevent these malicious acts.
“Our appeal also goes to the communities to report any suspicious activities around substations and support the company’s efforts in combating vandalism, ” she he added.
According to her, together, we can protect our infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply. (NAN)
