Two suspected vandals impersonating staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) have been apprehended at the scene of crimes at Okhoro and Cemetery roads in Benin.
This was contained in a statement by Evelyn Gbiwen, the spokesperson of the BEDC PLC, on Sunday in Benin.
Ms Gbiwen noted that one of the suspects (names withheld) allegedly vandalised 200KVA and 500KVA substations 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.
Ms Gbiwen said the suspect was apprehended with 70mm by 7 metres of cable from Play House, 200 kva substation and 70mm2 by 7 metres from Iyayi 500 kva substation.
She disclosed that another suspect (name withheld) was also caught with stolen items from various substations.
Ms Gbiwen explained that the suspect was allegedly caught with 10 metres of copper wire from a 500kva power transformer at Third Cemetery, Benin.
She said the suspect was also caught with 20 metres of 500mm2 cable from a 500kva substation at Old Rubber Board Road in Benin.
Ms Gbiwen, who described the suspects’ arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandals, stressed the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.
“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 added.
According to her, together, we can protect our infrastructure and ensure a reliable power supply.
(NAN)