Vandals Throw Jos Residents Into Darkness

Mahmud Lalo

28 June 2011

Jos — Residents of Layin Zana in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State were at the weekend thrown into darkness following the activities of vandals in the area. It was gathered that some unknown persons removed cables from one of the transformers supplying electricity to the area.

The incident, according to residents of the area occurred in the middle of the night. The areas affected include Audi Lane, Muhammadu Borno Lane, Dankarfalla Lane, School Lane as well as some parts of Turaki Lane and Mango Street.

“The incident will have a negative impact on all business activities in the area because barbers, mechanics and many others in the area now have to depend on generators to run their businesses”, Alhaji Tijjani Shehu, a resident of the area said.

Some residents of the area also accused officials of the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) of the act, because according to them, only experts could remove such cables. But the PHCN’s Principal Manager, Public Affairs in Jos, Isah Ibrahim Rafee described the allegation as “totally erroneous” adding that there are many people out there with such expertise that are not PHNC staff, who can perpetrate such acts.

“The idea that vandalism cannot take place without the connivance of PHCN staff is totally erroneous”, he said.

Rafee, who confirmed that the incident has been brought to his notice, said it was the responsibility of residents to protect their transformers.

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