By Ruth Ogbodu

A suspected electricity cable thief impersonating as a staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), has been apprehended at the scene of crime at Okhoro Road in Benin City.

The suspect, identified as Eden Ubong was said to have vandalised a 200KVA and 500KVA substations respectively located at Play House and Iyayi in the locality.

Ubong was said to be parading a fake BEDC identity card at the time.

This was contained in a press statement issued by Evelyn Gbiwen, Head, Branding and Cooperate Communications of BEDC Electricity PLC.

Gbiwen said: “Eden Ubong was apprehended with 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Play House, 200 kva Substation and 70mm2 by 7 meters of cable from Iyayi 500 kva Substation.”

She added that another suspect identified as Eghosa Izevbokun was also caught with stolen items from various substations.

The spokesperson explained that Izevbokun was caught with 10 meters of copper wire from a 500kva power transformer at 3rd Cemetery Road and 20 meters of 500mm2 cable from a 500kva Substation at Old Rubber Board Road in Benin City.

Gbiwen who described the suspects arrest as a significant breakthrough in the fight against vandals, emphasized the company’s commitment to combating vandalism.

According to her, “we are resolute in our fight against vandalism, as it doesn’t only affects our operations, but also tarnishes our reputation.

“We urge communities to be vigilant and guard their substations, as we work together to prevent these malicious acts.

“Our appeal also goes to the communities to report any suspicious activities around substations and support the company’s efforts in combating vandalism.

“Together, we can protect our infrastructure and ensure reliable power supply,” she added.