Opportunistic criminals have taken advantage of the ongoing power outage in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State to vandalize electrical installations and steal cables in the Anguwan and Gangare communities.
The blackout, which began on Monday, was caused by the tripping of 330kV transmission lines between Benue and Enugu states, disrupting electricity across several northern states, including Plateau. Residents of these affected areas revealed that the theft occurred on Thursday and Friday nights, taking place under the cover of darkness.
Muhammad Munir, a resident of Gangare, reported that thieves successfully targeted the community’s transformer, making off with critical electrical components. “They vandalized the transformer during the night and stole items that will cost a substantial amount to replace,” Munir explained.
Similarly, Alhaji Bala Tanko, a community leader from Anguwan Rogo, described how the criminals struck late in the evening, while most people were asleep. He recounted, “These unscrupulous individuals came around 10 p.m., taking advantage of the blackout to remove some wires from the transformer. Some residents noticed their activity, and when they approached, the criminals fled, abandoning their tools.”
Tanko expressed frustration over the incident, lamenting that the blackout had already put the community under strain for more than six days. “It’s truly disheartening that some people would add to our difficulties by vandalizing what little infrastructure we have left. If not for the power outage, they likely wouldn’t have dared to steal the wires,” he added.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant and work together to prevent future acts of vandalism.
