Local vigilante groups in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, successfully thwarted an attempted robbery targeting the newly installed 132KVA power substation located at Temidire/Ajeja along Ikirun Road in the town. The incident has raised concerns over the security of critical national infrastructure amid a surge in vandalism and attacks on public utilities across Nigeria.
Details of the Incident
According to reports, the suspects, armed with dangerous weapons and electrical tools, invaded the facility with the intention of vandalizing and stealing critical components of the power installation. Community sources revealed that the suspects had already begun their operation before members of the local vigilante groups, acting on a tip-off, arrived at the scene and disrupted the mission.
The hoodlums, upon sighting the vigilante operatives, fled the area, narrowly escaping arrest. However, they abandoned some of the tools and equipment they had brought for the operation. A member of the vigilante group confirmed the incident, emphasizing that the swift intervention of the local security outfit prevented what could have caused major damage to the power infrastructure.
Response from Traditional and Official Authorities
Following the incident, chiefs from the palace of the Soun of Ogbomoso visited the substation to gather first-hand information about the attempted vandalism and assess the situation. Additionally, 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.
The foiled robbery highlights the critical role of local vigilante groups in safeguarding public utilities and the need for enhanced security measures to protect vital infrastructure from criminal activities.
