By Tayo Joseph Lagos, Nigeria
The Oyo State Government has said that the full weight of the law will be applied on anybody caught vandalizing government properties, disclosing that one Ademola Ibrahim caught vandalizing solar powered streetlight is being prosecuted.
Similarly, the government has urged the people to serve at the watchdog of government properties as well as informing the security agencies of any trespass they notice.
The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, in a statement on Mondaysaid that the incessant theft and vandalisation of street and traffic light installation parts by the men of the underworld is thwarting government’s efforts to illuminate major roads in the state.
Arulogun disclosed that the Nigeria Police Force, Yemetu Divisional Headquarter arrested and charged one Mr. Ademola Ibrahim, who was caught in the act of vandalizing solar powered street light along Total Garden/Mokola Road (Queen Elizabeth Road) Ibadan to the Magistrate Court 1, Iyaganku, Ibadan for prosecution.
According to the Commissioner, “We have observed with dismay the attitude of some individuals who vandalise government property. The street light panel along Queen Elizabeth Road, UCH was stolen and this has caused street lighting around the area to malfunction, throwing the city into darkness. The same thing is happening to the street lights around Jericho area.
“We have notified the security agencies about the activities of these vandals. Anybody caught will be dealt with and the full weight of law will be applied. We will not tolerate anyone thwarting our developmental efforts and causing a breach of security.
“We want to call on the citizens to be vigilant as well. The government cannot do it alone and we cannot be everywhere at the same time. This is one of the key reasons for the government’s Safe Security Initiative. We want the people to support us by engaging in community policing.” the government spokesman explained.
