By Chikaodili Obinwa
The Anambra State Urban Water Assets Holdings Corporation (ASUWAHC) has uncovered a major case of infrastructure vandalism following the theft of a critical armoured power cable at the Nkisi Head Works facility in Onitsha.
The incident, reported on June 20, prompted the Officer-in-Charge of ASUWAHC, Mrs. Emmanuella Okafor, to order an immediate investigation into the circumstances surrounding the theft.
As part of the response, Mrs. Okafor directed the Head of Onitsha Zone and Head of the Engineering and Design Department, Engr. Francis Chiemeka Udoh, to carry out an on-the-spot assessment and gather firsthand information from the facility.
During the inspection, Engr. Udoh, accompanied by a technical officer in the Onitsha Zone, Mr. Chibuzor Ekwelor, met with the facility’s security officer, Mr. Okwudili Jonah, who guided the team to the affected section of the water works.
Preliminary findings revealed that suspected vandals gained access to one of the operational buildings within the facility and stole approximately 12 feet of a four-core heavy-duty armoured power cable, a vital component required for water production operations.
Further investigations indicated that a suspect identified as Mr. Promise was apprehended shortly after the incident by security personnel attached to the facility. Reports suggest that he allegedly admitted involvement in the theft before being handed over to the Omagba Phase One Security Outfit for further investigation and possible prosecution.
However, during a follow-up visit by ASUWAHC officials to the security outfit’s office, the suspect was no longer in custody. The Chief Security Officer of the outfit, Mr. Omo, explained that the suspect had exceeded the legally permitted detention period of 48 hours and was subsequently released.
Expressing concern over the development, the ASUWAHC delegation emphasized the importance of producing the suspect to aid ongoing investigations, recover the stolen cable and identify other individuals who may have been involved in the act. The security outfit assured the team that efforts were underway to locate the suspect and facilitate further action.
Reacting to the incident, Mrs. Okafor described the vandalism as a serious threat to public water infrastructure, warning that repeated attacks on critical facilities could disrupt water production and distribution across the state.
She noted that such acts not only result in significant financial losses but also undermine government efforts to provide residents with safe, reliable and sustainable water services. She, therefore, called on host communities and members of the public to remain vigilant and work closely with security agencies to safeguard public assets.
ASUWAHC said investigations are continuing and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting water infrastructure across the state, pledging to strengthen security measures at its facilities while ensuring that all individuals connected to the crime are identified and brought to justice.
Chikaodili Obinwais of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
