Abia community vigilante group arrests suspect over alleged theft of ASEPA Caterpillar Parts, warns against vandalism
Abia community vigilante group arrests suspect over alleged theft of ASEPA Caterpillar Parts, warns against vandalism
Ogbonnaya Ikokwu, Umuahia
The Ubakala Vigilante group has raised concerns over the alleged theft of parts from a Caterpillar machine parked at the ASEPA final dump site in Ntigha, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia on Wednesday, the leader of the vigilante group, Commander Ejike Ogbonna, said one Ibrahim Adul was arrested in connection with the alleged vandalization of an ASEPA Caterpillar machine, a government asset.
According to Ogbonna, the suspect and another individual, who reportedly escaped and remains at large, are alleged to have been removing parts from the machine at the dump site.
He said, “Members of the vigilante group intercepted them during an alleged attempt to carry out the act, leading to the arrest of one suspect. We will hand over to the Police for further prosecution.’
Reacting to the incident, the Deputy General Manager of ASEPA Umuahia Zone, Catechist Ambrose Jonah, condemned the alleged vandalism of government property and warned that anyone found responsible would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law, regardless of status.
He commended the Ubakala Vigilante Group for what he described as its swift response in apprehending the suspect at about 4:00 a.m.
Jonah also reiterated the Abia State Government’s ban on open grazing, stating that ASEPA would continue to work with relevant security agencies to arrest any herder whose cattle trespass on government facilities or residential areas in Umuahia.
He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities to security agencies to help protect public assets and maintain law and order.