The management of FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has confirmed the arrest of two suspected vandals allegedly linked to the destruction of a transformer at the Urunkpuke Distribution Substation in Nimo, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspects, identified as Nonso Okolodile and Emeka Onyeugwo, both natives of Nimo, were arrested by members of the Nimo Vigilante Group following a report of the alleged vandalisation of the electricity infrastructure.

The company’s Head of Communications, Izunna Okafor, disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday, saying the arrest followed a report by the company’s Feeder Manager in the area.

According to him, after receiving information about the vandalised transformer, FirstPower contacted the local vigilante group and requested that the suspects be handed over to the police for investigation.

Okafor said the suspects were subsequently taken to the Nimo Divisional Police Station, where they are currently being held for preliminary investigation.

He added that the company had also requested that the suspects be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further and discreet investigation.

“The arrest followed concerns over the vandalisation of the Urunkpuke DSS transformer, one of the critical electricity distribution assets serving customers in the area,” the statement said.

A tool allegedly being used by the suspected vandals, alongside parts of the vandalised transformer and other items, was reportedly recovered from the scene.

FirstPower said the incident underscored the growing threat posed by the vandalisation of electricity infrastructure to electricity supply and the cost of maintaining the distribution network.

“Vandalisation of transformers and other electricity infrastructure disrupts electricity supply to communities and imposes significant costs on the distribution system,” the company said.

The electricity distribution company commended the Nimo Vigilante Group for its intervention and cooperation with the company and security agencies in apprehending the suspects.

FirstPower also reiterated that vandalism of electricity infrastructure constitutes a serious criminal act, warning that such activities threaten electricity supply and damage infrastructure relied upon by residents, businesses and other customers.

The latest arrests come days after the company raised concerns over what it described as the high rate of vandalism across its network in Anambra State.

The company disclosed that no fewer than 73 major cases of vandalism involving electricity infrastructure had been recorded across different parts of the state between January and September 2026.

According to FirstPower, the incidents have had significant consequences for its ability to provide services to customers while also increasing the cost of maintaining and replacing damaged infrastructure.

The company therefore urged residents and community leaders across its network to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around transformers, substations, electricity poles, cables and other installations.

It encouraged members of the public to make use of appropriate security authorities or FirstPower’s established whistleblowing channels whenever they notice suspicious movements around electricity infrastructure.

“FirstPower will continue to collaborate with security agencies, community groups and other relevant stakeholders to protect its distribution infrastructure and ensure that those found culpable of vandalising electricity installations are brought before the appropriate authorities for necessary action in accordance with the law,” the statement added.

The company also assured customers in Nimo and other affected communities that it remained committed to restoring and improving electricity supply while working with relevant stakeholders to protect its distribution network.

The suspects remain in police custody as investigations into the alleged vandalism continue.

President Bola Tinubu has mourned the death of former Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris, describing his passing as a “painful loss” to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria.

Idris died in the United Kingdom on Sunday at the age of 77.

In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu extended his sympathies to the deceased’s family, the Kogi State Government and people, as well as his friends, associates and political colleagues.

The President described Idris as a committed public servant whose years in office contributed significantly to the political and developmental history of Kogi State.

Tinubu said the former governor devoted a substantial part of his life to public service and the development of the state, particularly through interventions in key sectors.

“His passing is a painful loss to his family, Kogi State and Nigeria.

At this difficult moment, we must remember and honour his contributions to the growth of his state and our nation.

“I extend my deepest condolences to his family and the people of Kogi State.

May Almighty Allah forgive his shortcomings, accept his good deeds and grant him Aljannah Firdaus,” the President said.

Idris served as governor of Kogi State from 2003 to 2012. During his tenure, his administration was credited with interventions in infrastructure, education, healthcare and other critical sectors.

Tinubu also acknowledged Idris’s contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development and his long years of involvement in public affairs.

The President prayed for divine comfort and strength for the former governor’s family and other loved ones as they mourn his death.

The condolence message came a day after reports emerged that Idris had died in the United Kingdom at the age of 77.

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo had earlier expressed grief over the former governor’s death and declared three days of mourning in his honour.

At least nine people, including a pastor, have been killed in separate attacks in communities across Barkin Ladi, Riyom and neighbouring areas of Plateau State.

The attacks occurred between Saturday night, September 19, and Sunday morning, September 20, 2026, with residents reportedly left in fear as violence spread across parts of the affected communities.

Five of the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area when they were attacked on Saturday night.

The National President of the Mwaghavul Development Association, Bulus Dabit, confirmed the killing of the five passengers, condemning the attack and calling on security agencies to identify and bring those responsible to justice.

Dabit said the recurring attacks were causing fear and distress among residents, urging authorities to take urgent steps to protect communities and prevent further violence.

The Pyem Youth Leader in Gana-Ropp, Ukasha Garaba, also confirmed the incident.

According to Garaba, the bodies of five people were evacuated from the area. He said the victims were passengers travelling to Gana-Ropp as labourers.

In a separate incident at Dorowa Babuje in Barkin Ladi, two people, including a pastor, were reportedly killed while on their way to church on Sunday morning.

The identities of the two victims had not been disclosed as of the time of filing the reports.

Another woman was reportedly killed at Baten Wereng in Riyom Local Government Area on Saturday night, while another person was killed at Ratyidi in the Fan District.

The spokesman for the Berom Youth Moulders, Rwang Tengwong, confirmed the attacks and condemned the killings.

Tengwong called on security agencies to strengthen their presence in the affected communities, investigate the incidents and ensure that those responsible are arrested and prosecuted.

He also urged residents to remain calm and vigilant amid the renewed security concerns.

The latest attacks have reportedly heightened tension in Dorowa Babuje and surrounding communities, particularly around the Kantoma axis, where gunshots were still being heard on Sunday.

Reports also indicated that women and children were being moved to safer locations.

Meanwhile, several cattle were reportedly killed or stolen at Dorowa Maranba and around the Kantoma axis at about 3am on Sunday.

The Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria in Barkin Ladi, Gambo Abubakar, confirmed reports of cattle rustling in the area and called on security agencies to investigate the incident and restore calm.

The Plateau State Police Command had not publicly responded to inquiries about the killings at the time of the initial reports.

However, sources at the command headquarters said the state Commissioner of Police, Ayodeji Faniyan, had deployed additional security personnel to the affected communities.

The fresh attacks have renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Plateau State, with community leaders calling for sustained security operations and investigations to prevent further loss of lives.