Two individuals have been arrested by the police in Aba, Abia State, for allegedly vandalizing the abandoned Aba Textile Mills, located within the Eziama Industrial Estate.
The suspects, identified as Ndubuisi Okoronkwo and Innocent Mbam, were reportedly apprehended while dismantling iron rods from the roofing structures of the defunct facility.
Their arrest followed a tip-off from local security personnel, who alerted government authorities and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
During preliminary interrogation, the suspects allegedly claimed they were acting on the instructions of a manager associated with the facility.
The claim has not yet been confirmed by the authorities.
Local business owners in the area expressed concern, stating that suspicious activity around the premises has been ongoing for some time.
“The mill has been shut down since 2000, but trucks frequently move in and out. Only the managers and their security have access to the place.
We raised the alarm, and that led to the arrests,” said a nearby business owner who spoke on condition of anonymity.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer in Abia State, DSP Maureen Chinaka, acknowledged the inquiry but had yet to issue an official statement as of the time of this report.