NSCDC arrests 4 suspected vandals in Ebonyi

By PETER OKUTU

ABAKALIKI—EBONYI State Command of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, said yesterday it arrested four persons suspected to be involved in vandalisation of transformers meant for Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, in the state.

Parading the suspects at the Command’s Headquarters, Abakaliki, the Corps Public Relations Officer, Assistant Superintendent of Corp, ASC Emmanuel Nwali, explained that the suspected vandals were rounded up at Orizor in Ezza North Local Government area where they were allegedly seen tampering with the transformer opposite the residence of Senator Igwe Nwagu.

According to him, one of those arrested claimed to be a staff of PHCN as items recovered from the suspected vandals were safety belt, pliers, fuses and cables.

*PHCN transformer

He said: “The men you are seeing here are suspected vandals arrested on 29th of December, 2012 when our Armed Squad were on patrol at Orizor opposite Senator Igwe Nwagu’s compound where a transformer is located.

“ There have been series of complains that the transformer was often vandalized by unknown persons. One of our men that were deployed within that jurisdiction got the information and alerted our armed squad team.

“So, while they were on patrol, they discovered some men who were tampering with the transformer.  One of those arrested who is an electrician claimed to be a NEPA staff when he is not.

“We know that it is unconstitutional for anybody to go and tamper with NEPA installations especially transformers.