Two suspected vandals have been apprehended by soldiers in Otukpo, Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State, for allegedly tampering with equipment and installations at the Benue Burnt Bricks Company.
According to reports, the suspects were caught on Saturday night while attempting to vandalise the facility located along the federal highway in Otukpo.
They were intercepted by soldiers stationed at a nearby checkpoint.
The suspects, identified as Wilson Egbanga, 16, and Okoh Akoja, 40, both claimed to be residents of Otukpo Local Government Area.
A resident, who gave his name simply as Adaji, told DAILY POST on Sunday that some locals noticed suspicious activities at the site and alerted the soldiers, who quickly responded and arrested the suspects.
Confirming the incident, the chairman of Otukpo Local Government Area, Hon Maxwell Ogiri, said the suspects were handed over to the office of the Department of State Service, DSS, in Otukpo for further investigation.
Speaking through his media aide, Joshua Otene, the chairman stated that “the suspects were arrested at the scene,” adding that several items were recovered from them, including heavy metal cut sheets, a large mallet, spanners, two big gas cylinders, and a smaller gas cylinder fitted with hoses suspected to be used for metal cutting.
When contacted, the Otukpo DSS Second-in-Command, Mr Aba Bashi, confirmed the arrest, noting that the suspects were still in custody and would soon be transferred to Makurdi.
“It’s true that two suspected vandals arrested by soldiers were brought to our office, and they will soon be transferred to Makurdi,” Bashi said.
