The Yobe State Rural Electrification Commission (YOREC) has warned against the vandalism of electricity infrastructure following the arrest of a suspected vandal linked to a blackout that affected four local government areas in the state.
The Executive Chairman of YOREC, Engr. Umara Mustapha Goniri, disclosed this while reacting to the incident, which occurred on Friday evening along the Damaturu–Babbangida 33KV line.
The incident resulted in a total blackout across Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari and Geidam LGAs, disrupting social and economic activities in the affected communities.
According to YOREC, the suspect confessed during interrogation that the alleged ring leader of the group resides in Damaturu and has been giving instructions to members to carry out the criminal activities while operating his business in the state capital.
The suspect reportedly said the group had been involved in the illegal activities for a long period.
Condemning the act, Goniri described the vandalism of electricity infrastructure as a serious threat to the development and wellbeing of the people.
He called on those involved in such acts to desist, adding, “If they are willing to change, God would guide them to the right path.”
The YOREC chairman urged members of the public to remain vigilant and pay close attention to electricity infrastructure and equipment within their communities.
He appealed to residents to immediately alert the appropriate security agencies whenever they notice suspicious persons or activities around electricity installations.
“Protecting electricity infrastructure is a collective responsibility. Vandalism deprives entire communities of electricity and negatively affects businesses, livelihoods and other socio-economic activities,” Goniri stressed.
He called for increased community vigilance and cooperation with security agencies to safeguard electricity infrastructure and prevent further acts of vandalism across the state.
