Olusegun Ariyo
Two suspected vandals impersonating staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, have been arrested at the scene of crimes at Okhoro and Cemetery roads in Benin, Edo state capital.
The Head of Branding and Cooperate Communications of BEDC Electricity PLC, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Benin.
Gbiwen explained that one of the suspects allegedly vandalised 200KVA and 500KVA substations located at Play House and Iyayi in the locality.
She added that the suspect allegedly paraded himself as a BEDC staff with an identity card at the time he was arrested.
According to her, the suspect was arrested with 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Play House, 200kva Substation and 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Iyayi 500kva substation.
The second suspect, she said 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 suspect’s arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandalism, stressed the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.
“We are resolute in our fight against vandalism, as it doesn’t only affect 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 added.
