Bayelsa blackout: Police nab 14 suspected transmission tower vandals

The vandals of electricity facilities in Bayelsa who have left the entire state in darkness for months have been caught by the police.

Officers of the Surveillance and Intelligence section of the Zone 16 of the Nigeria Police Force arrested 14 suspects who reportedly vandalised 132V transmission tower line in the state, it has been confirmed.

The transmission tower lines supplying electricity to Bayelsa State from Ahoada in Rivers State was vandalised in July and equipment stolen, causing statewide blackout.

The spokesman for Zone 16 of the Nigeria Police Force, SP Gunn Ewhoborwo Emonena, in a statement on Monday said the arrests followed the petition by the state Commissioner for Power, Kharin Akari Komuko, on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government.

Emonena identified the suspects as Christopher Chimelam Onyeno, Chinyereugo Ukommaduakolam, Believe Ajudu, Believe Chimela, Usman Albert Odumanyuyah, Newman Ejimadu, Pentecost Godwin, Ogbunike Morgan, Julius Okpuhigwe and Moses Stephen.

<span;>Others are Abubakar Umaru, Emmanuel John, Kabiru Usman and Aminu Sanusi.

“They were all involved in the vandalisation of 132 KV Transmission Tower Line along the Ahoada-Mbiama axis of the East-West Road and Igbogene axis in Rivers State and Bayelsa State respectively,” the statement said.

“The suspects who have been on the wanted list of the zone for the past few months, were arrested based on credible intelligence in Rivers State.

“In the course of diligent and painstaking investigation, 35mm Floor Core armoured Cables, 70mm floor core armoured Cables, 50mm SLPE Cables, Electrical pot installator, wheel spanners, cutting blades, long botts, eleven KV poles, recline cables, earth cables, bee copper and other items were recovered from the suspects as exhibits.

“While urging residents to take all necessary step in protecting the properties within our vicinity, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16 headquarters, AIG Paul Alifa Omata reaffirm his unwavering commitment in ensuring the safety and security of lives and properties within the Zone.

“The Nigeria Police Force under the leadership of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetukon PhD, NPM has reasserted his dedication in ensuring the safety and security of all citizens. He further urged residents to offer their maximum cooperation and support in order to have a crime-free society.”