Vigilantes in Otampa autonomous community, located in Isuikwuato Local Government Area of Abia State, have apprehended a male suspect accused of vandalizing and stealing a solar-powered streetlight from a neighbouring village.
The suspect, identified simply as Ifeanyi from Amaoho, Amaba—also within Isuikwuato LGA—was reportedly caught while attempting to sell the stolen public asset for a mere ₦5,000. His arrest followed coordinated surveillance and intelligence gathering by Otampa community security personnel in collaboration with other security agencies.
In a related development, an alleged accomplice, Mr. Onyebuchi Amadi of Amaogudu Otamkpa, was also arrested during negotiations to purchase the stolen solar panel.
A community source in Otamkpa confirmed that the suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation. It was also reported that residents of Amaba, the suspect’s home village, have formally reported the matter to the police, requesting a thorough investigation and prosecution.
Some indigenes of Otamkpa who spoke on the incident hailed the vigilance and professionalism of the local security team. They described the arrests as a major step in curbing the menace of infrastructure vandalism in the area.
The residents further commended the vigilantes for their maturity in handling the situation, particularly for resisting the temptation to engage in jungle justice, which remains a common occurrence in some parts of the country.
