FCTA nabs 16 streetlight vandals
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has apprehended 16 individuals accused of defacing streetlights throughout the capital city.
During a briefing with journalists on Friday in Abuja, the Coordinator of the Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Felix Obuah, disclosed this development.
Obuah reported that five suspects were captured on Thursday, thanks to the assistance of local vigilantes and hunters. Additionally, two other individuals remain at large.
He urged the residents of the FCT to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near streetlight installations to security agencies, emphasizing the importance of public involvement in safeguarding public facilities, especially streetlights.
“We have already enlisted the support of local vigilante and hunters’ groups, which led to Thursday’s clampdown on the five suspects,” he said.
He cautioned that anyone found guilty of vandalizing government property, including the buyers, would face prosecution.
He further explained that the crackdown on the vandals was necessary due to escalating concerns over the ongoing vandalism of newly installed solar-powered streetlights in various parts of the city.
Mr. Aderemi Rashid, one of the contractors responsible for installing streetlights, reported that some of the company’s equipment was stolen by unidentified individuals.
“The equipment used indicates a high level of sophistication beyond ordinary miscreants, suggesting possible involvement of well-equipped perpetrators,” he said.