- Ikosi-Ejinrin and Eredo Chairmen spearhead crackdown on cable vandals in Epe.
- Suspects apprehended as officials intensify efforts to expose criminal network.
- Lagos State CID steps in as leaders demand stricter
The Chairmen of Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA, Hon. Wale Anomo, and Eredo LCDA, Hon. Monsuru Akinloye, have taken swift action following the arrest of three suspected cable vandals and the electrocution of an accomplice in Ilara, Epe.
Ekohotblog reports that the incident, which occurred in the early hours of today, caused a sudden power outage, raising suspicions among residents.
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Security operatives responded promptly and found Innocent Victor, one of the vandals, severely injured from electric shock, while three others attempted to escape but were captured.
To ensure a thorough investigation, Hon. Anomo and Hon. Akinloye personally oversaw the suspects’ transfer to Odonforija Police Station, emphasizing the need to expose not just the vandals but also their sponsors and buyers.
Hon. Wale Anomo insisted that the issue of cable vandalism must be addressed from the root.
“We cannot allow this criminal network to continue. The police must ensure that these suspects reveal their backers, including those who buy the stolen cables. This is a well-organized crime that has been tormenting Epe for months,” he said.
He also revealed that this arrest follows recent security efforts that led to the capture of five other vandals in Ikosi-Ejinrin LCDA.
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“Just a few days ago, four vandals were arrested, and another one was caught two days ago. These are not isolated incidents; they are part of a larger syndicate that we must dismantle completely,” he added.
Speaking on the effects of cable theft, Hon. Monsuru Akinloye lamented how the crime has negatively impacted the Epe community.
“For over seven months, these criminals have caused darkness in Epe. Government officials and stakeholders have had sleepless nights trying to restore power, and just four days after electricity was brought back, they tried to sabotage it again,” he said.
He commended the security agencies for their vigilance and called on the Lagos State Government to step in and help bring the criminals to justice.
“We need more support from the state authorities to ensure this never happens again. Epe cannot continue to suffer because of the greed of a few individuals,” he emphasized.
The arrested suspects include:
Innocent Victor, who claimed to be a Dangote Refinery worker.
Yusuf Ismail, an Igbooye indigene, who said he was a plank seller.
Omega David, a resident of Odomola, who claimed to be a recycler. And one other person
Hon. Anomo confirmed that detectives from the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) are set to take over the case to ensure deeper investigations.
“These criminals are not acting alone. Some of them are known faces in our communities. We will make sure they lead us to their ringleaders and buyers,” he stated.
Meanwhile, Hon. Akinloye urged IKEDC to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at night to deter future vandalism.
“If there is light at night, these criminals will not have the cover of darkness to operate. IKEDC must work with us to protect our power infrastructure,” he concluded.
The suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue.
