Ado LG Chairman Condemns Attempted Transformer Vandalism, Hails Vigilantes for Foiling Theft

By Pan Afric Reporters

The Executive Chairman of Ado Local Government Area of Benue State, Hon. Engr. Sunny Oche, has condemned the attempted vandalisation of a community transformer in Igumale, describing the act as an attack on critical public infrastructure and the socio-economic wellbeing of residents, while commending local vigilantes and youths for their swift intervention that led to the arrest of three suspects.

The position of the chairman was contained in a press statement issued by the Ado Local Government Council and signed by the Special Assistant on Media and Strategic Communication, Aluma Moses, on Monday, June 29, 2026.

According to the statement, the suspects were apprehended by the Igumale Vigilante Group, led by the Youth Leader and Indigenous Security Head of Igumale, Comrade Jonathan Oche Ifere, with the support of members of the community security team.

The council disclosed that the suspects were allegedly caught while attempting to steal armoured cables from a community transformer in Igumale.

It noted that if the operation had succeeded, parts of the community would have been plunged into darkness, disrupting businesses and frustrating ongoing efforts to improve electricity supply within the local government.

The suspects were identified as Agbo Samuel, Adai Obande, popularly known as Awaje, from Elikizi, and Benjamin Otsepa, also known as Chimaroke, all residents of Ado Local Government Area.

According to the statement, preliminary reports suggest the suspects may also be linked to previous acts of vandalism involving electricity installations and railway infrastructure within the council area, although it stressed that the allegations remain subject to investigation by relevant law enforcement agencies.

Commending the vigilance and courage displayed by the community security team, Chairman Oche described their prompt response as a testament to the importance of community participation in complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies.

“Their actions clearly demonstrate the critical role community participation plays in complementing the efforts of conventional security agencies in protecting public infrastructure and ensuring the safety of lives and property,” the chairman stated.

The council chairman reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the local security architecture through sustained collaboration with security agencies, vigilante groups, traditional institutions and community leaders.

He also appreciated the confidence and cooperation of residents, assuring them that his administration would continue to support initiatives aimed at safeguarding lives and public assets across Ado Local Government Area.

Hon. Oche warned individuals involved in criminal activities to desist or face the full weight of the law.

“Vandalism of public infrastructure is an offence against the entire community and will not be tolerated under this administration,” he warned.

The chairman further urged residents to remain vigilant and continue providing credible and timely information to security agencies, stressing that effective security requires the active cooperation of all citizens.

He expressed confidence that the Nigeria Police and other relevant security agencies would carry out a thorough investigation into the incident and ensure that those found culpable are prosecuted in accordance with the law.