Power cables, iron vandals worry Kaduna residents

Residents of Kaduna metropolis have raised concerns as people suspected to be scrap metal scavengers, popularly known as ‘Babanbola,’ have been stealing electric cables and iron objects in their communities.

Affected residents narrate that security agents, especially the Kaduna State Police, should do more to arrest these scavengers and cable thieves because, if nothing is done, the electricity supply will become another challenge for the populace.

A resident of Ungwan in the city, who declined to have his name in print, appealed to the Nigeria Police to station officers around the Sabon Tasha Bridge to monitor the activities of the scavengers.

He said, “All the irons on the entrance gate of our compound have been vandalised at night by these criminals. There are all kinds of people operating by the side of Sabon Tasha Bridge, and many of them steal anything, including snatching mobile phones at night.

“The Police authorities should establish a police outpost by the Sabon Tasha Bridge or at Halima Junction to secure this area.”

Another resident, who is constructing a building near the Government Day Secondary School in the same Sabon Tasha area, lamented that iron burglar bars and electric fittings in his house were stolen by these ‘Babanbolas.’

He said, “I recently went to my building site and was shocked to see that all my iron and electricity cables had been vandalised. Security should be vigilant, especially at night, to secure Kaduna metropolis.”

The issue of iron and cable vandalism is becoming a national threat as many of these ‘Babanbolas’ act with impunity.

In December 2024, some teenagers were arrested in Abuja and sent to remand homes for the same offence.

FESTAC Town in Lagos has also been affected, as the irons on the FESTAC Link Bridge to Okota were vandalised by a scavenger.

However, the suspect was later caught by the police.
The Police Spokesperson in Kaduna State, DSP Mansir Hassan, said that all police stations in the state have been directed to patrol and arrest vandals.

He said, “We always make arrests of suspects, and the Command has directed the DPOs to raid black spots and suspected criminal hideouts.