Three individuals, including a police inspector identified as Innocent Ishaku, have been arrested in Makurdi, Benue State, for allegedly vandalising electricity cables in the Demekpe area during the early hours of Tuesday, June 10.
According to local sources, community vigilantes apprehended Ishaku at approximately 4:00 a.m. while in the act of stealing the cables. His two accomplices, identified as Isa and Mohammed, initially fled the scene but were later arrested following Ishaku's confession during questioning.
Officer's Confession and Evidence
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Inspector Ishaku confessed to being stationed in Benue for the past decade after being transferred from Abuja. More disturbingly, he admitted involvement in multiple cable theft operations, particularly targeting the Wadata area of Makurdi.
Both accomplices were identified as residents living within the compound of a local car dealer known as Alhaji Dash, suggesting they had local knowledge of the area and its infrastructure.
Items recovered from the suspects included several electrical cables, F connectors, and a police identity card bearing Ishaku's name, photograph, and identification number 309976, which has further corroborated his identity as a serving officer.
Official Responses
Dr. Adakole Elijah, Head of Corporate Services at Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) in Makurdi, confirmed the incident and expressed serious concern over the rising cases of infrastructure vandalism affecting power distribution in the region.
When contacted, the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Udeme Edet, stated she was not yet aware of the arrests but promised to verify the information and provide updates on the case.
All three suspects have been handed over to the D Division Police Station in Makurdi for further investigation and possible prosecution.
This incident highlights growing concerns about security personnel involvement in criminal activities and the challenges facing Nigeria's power infrastructure due to vandalism.
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