News

Abia community transformer theft: AIG warns against interference, assures justice for all

Steve Oko

The Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG) in charge of Zone 9 Command, Umuahia, Kanayo Uzuegbu, has issued a stern warning against any action capable of obstructing investigations into the alleged theft of an electricity transformer belonging to Azumini Community in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

The warning follows the growing tension in the community as a result of the missing transformer which has caused a total blackout in the area.

A community source alleged that the suspects unlawfully removed the transformer and subsequently sold it as scrap thereby plunging the entire community into darkness and disrupting social and economic activities.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer (ZPPRO), SP Bruno Iheanetu, disclosed that the AIG had ordered a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the matter.

According to the statement, AIG Uzuegbu urged all parties involved to remain calm and refrain from acts capable of jeopardising the investigation, assuring that the police would uncover the truth and ensure justice is served.

“The AIG has clarified that the matter is currently under thorough investigation with a view to ascertaining the true facts and ensuring justice for all parties concerned,” the statement read.

“He advises all individuals and groups involved to remain calm and refrain from actions that may prejudice the investigation, pending its conclusion”, the statement added.

The statement further revealed that the AIG expressed the command’s readiness to explore Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, subject to the consent of all parties, as a means of achieving an amicable and lasting resolution of the dispute.

The Zone 9 Police Command also reassured members of the public of its unwavering commitment to professionalism, fairness, and peaceful conflict resolution, in line with the constitutional mandate of the Nigeria Police Force.

The police urged residents to cooperate fully with investigators and provide any useful information that could aid the probe, stressing that the law would be allowed to take its full course.