Just In: Kogi-State Government Announces-Arrest Of Suspects Behind Armoured-Cable Vandalization

Just In: Kogi-State Government Announces-Arrest Of Suspects Behind Armoured-Cable Vandalization

The Kogi State Government has announced the arrest of several suspects involved in the vandalization of armored cables at the Greater Lokoja Water Works in Ganaja Village.

State Commissioner for Water Resources, Yahaya Farouk, disclosed the arrests during an interactive session with journalists on Monday evening. Farouk explained that the suspects are currently being interrogated and are providing useful information to the Kogi State Police Command.

“I am convinced that it was an internal problem. We wrote to the State Police command and arrests were made concerning some suspects who went to vandalize armored cables meant for Greater Lokoja Water Works. The private security agencies were engaged and later sent a report that some people had owned up that the armored cables were sold to someone in Ganaja,” Farouk stated.

He further explained, “We have tank A, which is supposed to supply tank B, also vandalized. We will arrest all of them no matter their hiding place. Any person who vandalizes public infrastructure that is expected to serve the people will not go unpunished.”

Farouk emphasized the importance of community ownership of installations across the State, commending Ayegunle Gbede, a community in Kogi East, for protecting infrastructure in their locality. He urged other communities to replicate this commitment to safeguard public resources.

The Commissioner informed journalists that Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved, with cash backing, the rehabilitation of the Lokoja old water works. This plant is intended to supply water to parts of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, pending the completion of repairs at the Greater Lokoja Water Works, which was damaged by floods in 2022.

According to Farouk, the State government is taking pragmatic steps to replace equipment submerged at the Greater Lokoja Water Works, a process expected to take at least 12 months. He emphasized the administration’s commitment to addressing water scarcity and appealed to residents for patience, assuring them that efforts are underway to resolve the issue.

“Before Friday, contractors will resume work for the rehabilitation of the old Lokoja water works. It has been approved and cashed back by the Governor of Kogi State. Within the shortest possible time, water supply will return to Lokoja metropolis,” Farouk stated.

He also debunked reports claiming that the reservoir for the old Lokoja water works has been sold out, calling such claims false and the work of mischief-makers aiming to discredit the government’s efforts to restore water to Lokoja.