FCTA laments vandalisation of street lights, vows to prosecute offenders

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has decried the spate of vandalism of street lights in the city noting that it will stop at nothing to prosecute individuals found culpable.

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory l, Barr.Nysome Wike had on assumption of duty as FCT Minister, identified the restoration of street lights as one of his cardinal agenda to light up the city, as part of efforts to make Abuja a befitting capital city.

However Secretary, Command and Control Centre, Department of Security, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Dr Peter Olumuji disclosed this in an interview and has identified vandalism as hindering the efforts of the current administration to make all streetlights functional across the city.

While noting that street lighting of the FCT had improved drastically in line with the directive of the FCT Minister, Olumuji acknowledged the ongoing sabotage by unidentified criminals.

He said that the FCTA Department of Security Service had received reports on the vandalisation of the streetlights, taking place mostly in the middle of the night.

He said the reports indicated that the miscreants target the solar-powered streetlights, their batteries, solar panels, and the lightning mechanisms, including the poles.

“The streetlights were bought with taxpayers’ money and installed to brighten the city at night and ensure that FCT is secured, but sadly, some criminal elements among us are vandalising them. This is sad,” he said.

He disclosed that the FCT Minister had directed the Police Commissioner, FCT Command, in charge of internal security to clampdown on the criminals sabotaging ongoing efforts to light up the city.

He added that the officer in charge of critical infrastructure and national assets at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps was equally asked to work with the police to track and arrest the culprits.

“The minister had directed the security agencies to ensure that all the miscreants that go about vandalising streetlights are apprehended and prosecuted to end the wicked act.

“They are making progress and soon, some of the vandals apprehended would be paraded and taken to court for prosecution.

“The streetlights were installed for the benefit of all residents and to enable people to move freely within the city at night.However, you cannot vandalise the streetlights and still complain that the government is not doing anything,” he said.

Olumuji said that while there are plans to replace the vandalised streetlights, residents should learn to take ownership of facilities installed in their areas by reporting any suspicious movement to security agencies.

He explained that good illumination improves security within the city because no criminal element wants to operate under the glare of light.

“They always carry out their trade under darkness. So, when you have all the streetlights working, it improves and aids better security of lives and properties,” he added.