14 suspects nabbed for vandalism, plunging Bayelsa, Rivers into darkness

Police operatives in Bayelsa State have apprehended 14 suspects allegedly responsible for vandalising a 132KV transmission tower, which plunged the state and parts of Rivers State into darkness for months.

The arrests followed a petition by Bayelsa State’s Commissioner of Power, Kharin Akari Komuko, to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 16 headquarters in Yenagoa.

SP Emonena, Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed that the suspects were apprehended in Rivers State after a thorough investigation.

They are believed to have vandalised the transmission line along the Ahoada-Mbiama axis of the East-West road and the Igbogene axis.

Recovered items include various types of cables, electrical equipment, cutting tools, and other items used in the vandalism.

Assistant Inspector General of Police Paul Alifa Omata reassured the public of his commitment to ensuring safety and security in the zone and urged residents to cooperate with the police in maintaining a crime-free society.

Governor Douye Diri expressed concern over the frequent power outages plaguing the state, highlighting the impact of the July 29 incident where vandals damaged two transmission towers (T98 and T99) in the Igbogene community, cutting off power to the entire state.