Two vandals who impersonated Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, staff are in custody for removing  cables at Okhoro and Cemetery Roads in Benin.

Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen, Head of Branding and Corporate Communications at BEDC Electricity PLC, disclosed that one of the suspects is accused of vandalizing 200KVA and 500KVA substations at Play House and Iyayi, respectively. At the time of his arrest, the suspect was allegedly posing as a BEDC employee, carrying an ID card.

The suspect was found in possession of 7 meters of 70mm² cable each from the Play House 200KVA substation and the Iyayi 500KVA substation.

Another suspect , identity also withheld, was apprehended with stolen items from several substations. This individual was reportedly found with 10 meters of copper wire stolen from a 500KVA transformer at the Third Cemetery in Benin, as well as 20 meters of 500mm² cable taken from a 500KVA substation at Old Rubber Board Road.

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Gbiwen described the arrests as a major step forward in the fight against vandalism and reiterated the company’s commitment to tackling such criminal activities. “We are determined to combat vandalism, as it not only disrupts our operations but also damages our reputation,” she said.

She urged local communities to remain vigilant and protect their substations, calling on residents to report any suspicious activity and assist in preventing further vandalism. “Together, we can safeguard our infrastructure and ensure a reliable power supply for everyone,” Gbiwen emphasized.

Credible News.ng