EEDC spokesperson Emeka Ezeh said at a news conference on Wednesday that the assaults have had a detrimental impact on customer service and have crippled the company’s operations.
Ezeh referred to the vandals as “thorns in the flesh” of the company and urged consumers to be vigilant and supportive.
According to NAN, 15 people were arrested in locations where the corporation provides power between January and February 2023.
He commended the numerous vigilante organisations in the region for their assistance in apprehending the culprits.
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“In Abia State, the Ogbu Igwo and Daniel Olugu were arrested for vandalising XLPE of Agborji distribution substation and some towers belonging to EEDC,” Ezeh was quoted by NAN as saying.
“Chibuzo Egbuta was arrested for vandalising aluminium conductors at Ozu-Item community. “Also, at Onuiyangan Community in Bende Local Government Area, Chinaemerem Azubuike was arrested while vandalising aluminium conductors.
“In Anambra State, one Amadi Okey was arrested while vandalising steel copper wire, and 26-year-old Onyekachukwu Ifennadolu was arrested for vandalising Aluminum Bare Conductor at Umueri Ezumeri village Oraifite, along Onitsha-Owerri Road.
“Likewise, 27-year-old Chidiebere Agbalusi was arrested at Oraifite in possession of vandalised aluminium cable and a cutter, while the duo of Usulu Solomon and Nwafo Emeka were arrested for vandalising about 16 spans of bare conductor wire.
“They mentioned one Ejike Nwoba, who was also arrested, as the receiver of the vandalised items,” he said.
According to the EEDC spokesperson, three youths were detained at Ndeabor in Aninri LGA in Enugu for vandalising a distribution substation.
“Abdullahi Alahaji was arrested for vandalising College Road Mgbidi Service Center distribution Substation,” he said.
“At Amazon Okwe Ngwo, Udi Local Government Area, Onyema Nnaji was arrested for vandalising electricity installation in the area, with about eight pieces of the angle iron Cross arms recovered from him.”
According to Ezeh, all vandal suspects have been turned to the appropriate police divisions for investigation and prosecution.
The franchise areas of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company include Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, and Imo.
