Vigilantes in Adamawa State have apprehended three suspected electricity cable thieves.
The development was confirmed by the Head of Corporate Communications of the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), Olugbenga Adebola.
Adebola identified the suspects as Emmanuel Kefas, 45, Jonah Linus, 39, and Mustapha Aliyu, 38, while another suspect whose name was given as Biri Modibbo is said to be currently at large.
The company’s image maker disclosed that the suspected thieves stole the cables, deployed by YEDC at Sabore Guga, a community along the MayoBelwa – Jada road in the southern part of the state.
He added that the arrest was in line with efforts to check the stealing of the company’s assets.
Adebola said, “The arrest comes as a result of the company’s ongoing efforts to combat the illegal tampering with power infrastructure that has been a persistent challenge for the distribution of electricity in the region.”
Furthermore, Adebola alleged that in recent times, vandals have attempted to cut cables at Target Junction and Ghana Crescent at Bekaji, both in the state capital, Yola.
“The successful arrest of these individuals serves as a testament to the collaborative efforts between YEDC, vigilant community members and law enforcement agencies in addressing the issue of vandalism within their operational areas,” the YEDC official said.
Meanwhile, the Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) has confirmed the report of a boat mishap that occurred in Borgu Local Government Area of the state.
The Director-General of the agency, Alhaji Abdullahi Baba-Arah, disclosed this in a statement in Minna on Monday.
He stated that the incident happened on Monday afternoon, adding that the boat took off from Dugga Mashaya in Dugga Ward, heading towards Wara Market in Kebbi State.
Baba-Arah noted that the boat was conveying passengers estimated to be around 100, including goods, grains and other valuables.
According to him, NSEMA has yet to ascertain the number of deaths and survivors.
He said search-and-rescue operations are ongoing by local divers, NSEMA desk officers and local government officials.