REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE
A middle aged man is now in police custody for vandalizing government facility in Anambra State.
The suspect who specializes in vandalizing metals including aluminum frames , was caught by local security personnel at Okpuno in Awka South Local government area.
He was apprehended by local vigilante operatives after destroying and removing aluminium window frames at Community Education Resource Centre, CERC, located in Okpuno.
During interrogation, the suspect who gave his name as Chidi from Abia state confessed that it was the third time he had carried out similar acts at the facility and selling the items to iron condemn vendors.
Speaking on the development, the Commissioner for Education in AnambraState, Doctor Ekene Ogugua, said the suspect was immediately handed over to the Nigeria Police following his apprehension while further investigation and prosecution would follow
Dr. Ogugua said present administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo has zero-tolerance policy against the vandalism of government property and other critical public infrastructure.
According to him, the government is worried over the rising menace of vandalism across the state, describing it as a direct attack on public investments and the collective resources of the people.
According to the Commissioner, Mr Governor has also strongly condemned the activities of illegal scrap metal dealers, popularly known as the “iron condemn” business, noting that the growing demand for stolen public infrastructure has continued to fuel vandalism, economic sabotage and the destruction of critical public assets.
Dr. Ogugua said the Community Education Resource Centre was established with public funds to support teaching, learning and teacher development, stressing that vandalising such facilities undermines government’s efforts to provide quality education and improved learning.
The Commissioner for Education warned that anyone found vandalising, stealing or unlawfully tampering with schools or any other government educational facilities in Anambra State would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also urged members of the public to promptly report suspicious activities around schools and other government facilities to the appropriate security agencies for prompt action.
Radio Nigeria Correspondent Uche Ndeke reports that the Commissioner commended the vigilance and swift response of the local vigilante operatives, whose timely intervention prevented further loss of government property and ensured that the suspect was promptly handed over to the police.
