Local vigilante groups in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, have foiled an attempted robbery targeting component parts of the newly installed 132KVA power substation located at Temidire/Ajeja along Ikirun Road in the town.

The incident has heightened concerns over the security of critical national infrastructure amid rising cases of vandalism and attacks on public utilities across the country.

It was gathered that the suspects, armed with dangerous weapons and electrical tools, invaded the facility in an attempt to vandalise and cart away critical components of the power installation.

Sources within the community disclosed that the suspects had already commenced the operation before members of the local vigilante groups, acting on a tip-off, stormed the area and disrupted the mission.

The hoodlums reportedly fled on sighting the vigilante operatives, narrowly escaping arrest. However, they abandoned some of the tools and equipment brought for the operation.

A member of the vigilante group confirmed the incident, stating that the swift intervention of the local security outfit prevented what could have caused major damage to the power infrastructure.

Following the incident, chiefs from the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso visited the substation to obtain first-hand information on the attempted vandalism and assess the situation.

Officials of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) from the Ganmo transmission station, where the Temidire power station is expected to be connected, also visited the facility after receiving reports of the attempted attack.