The MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has urged Enugu State residents to be vigilant and protect electricity infrastructure serving their neighbourhoods and communities from vandals.
The Head of Communication of MEDL, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, gave the advice while speaking with newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday on the arrest of a suspected vandal last week in Nsukka axis of the state.
According to Ezeh, the suspect identified as Jeremiah Daniel was apprehended by the Isiuja vigilante group, Nsukka, while in possession of 500mm intermediate cables, earth, and copper wires suspected to be property of the MainPower.
He also decried the recent rising incidents of vandalism within its network in the state.
Ezeh expressed deep concern over the negative impact of vandalism on the operations of the company, which adversely affects the quality of power supply to customers.
He commended the efforts of the Isiuja vigilante group, describing the arrest as “a clear indication that stakeholder collaboration is yielding positive results.”
Ezeh also called on other communities across the state to take a cue from what the Isiuja vigilante group had done.
“There is no way we can protect these electricity infrastructure across our network without the support and active collaboration of our stakeholders.
“The company spends millions of naira replacing vandalised equipment and this is no longer sustainable,” he said.
He noted that the suspect, along with the recovered items, had been handed over to Nsukka Urban Police Division for further investigation and possible prosecution.