Some suspected vandals have stolen the components of a transformer serving Baale Street in the Ijebu-Ode Local Government Area of Ogun State.
PUNCH Metro gathered from a source privy to the incident but did not want to be mentioned in print on Wednesday that the incident happened on May 21.
The source disclosed to our correspondent that the vandals numbering about four stormed the area at about 4 am on the said date with a tricycle, carted away components of the transformer, damaged some parts and fled the scene.
The source said, “A resident observed a group of hoodlums, numbering about four, tampering with the street transformer. He witnessed them loading items into a parked tricycle in the dark, and when he raised an alarm, they managed to escape with the tricycle loaded with the stolen items from the transformer.
“Upon further inspection during the day, it was discovered that all the internal components of the transformer had been vandalised and stolen by the unknown perpetrators.”
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, decried the activities of scavengers who cause damage to government properties.
She however disclosed that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the perpetrators.
Odutola said, “The activities and sabotage of government properties in Ogun State by scavengers also known as Bolar are becoming worrisome. They often cause damage to government properties and cause pain to the communities.
“Investigation is currently underway to track down the culprits.”
In another development, operatives of the Ogun State Community, Social Orientation and Safety Corps codenamed So-Safe Corps have arrested three suspects for allegedly vandalising and stealing transformer cables in the Idiroko area of Ipokia Local Government Area of the state.
The state Commander of the corps, Soji Ganzallo, in a statement through the Public Relations Officer, Moruf Yusuf, on Wednesday, disclosed that the suspects were arrested at about 6 pm on Sunday.
He added that the suspects, identified as Sunday Eze and Charles Eze, disclosed that one Jamilu Danjuma was the alleged receiver of the stolen cables.
Following their confession, the So-Safe operatives went after Danjuma and arrested him.
He added that exhibits and the suspects had been transferred to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
Ganzallo said, “The suspects, Sunday Eze, an ex-convict, John Charles Eze, and Jamilu Danjuma, confessed to the crime and mentioned the third suspect as the receiver of the stolen items.
“The suspects and the recovered exhibits, including burnt and separated copper wires, have been transferred to the Nigeria Police Force, Idiroko Divisional Headquarters for further investigation and likely prosecution.”
Ganzallo noted that the corps remained committed to addressing the menace of vandalism and ensuring the safety of Ogun residents.
“This arrest is a testament to the corps’ commitment to tackling vandalism and theft in the state.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of Ogun State citizens,” he said.
Punch
