The Yobe State Rural Electrification Commission, YOREC, has warned residents against vandalising electricity infrastructure following the arrest of a suspected vandal linked to a blackout in four local government areas.

The Executive Chairman of YOREC, Engr. Umara Mustapha Goniri, disclosed this while reacting to the incident, which occurred on Friday evening along the Damaturu–Babbangida 33KV transmission line.

The damage caused a total blackout in Tarmuwa, Bursari, Yunusari and Geidam Local Government Areas, disrupting businesses and other socio-economic activities across the affected communities.

YOREC said the suspect confessed during interrogation that an alleged leader of the vandalism ring lived in Damaturu and directed members to carry out the operations while running a business in the state capital.

The suspect reportedly told investigators that the group had been involved in the illegal activity for an extended period.

Goniri condemned the vandalism, describing it as a serious threat to the development and wellbeing of residents. He urged those involved to abandon the practice.

“If they are willing to change, God would guide them to the right path,” he said.

The YOREC chairman also urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities around electricity installations to security agencies.

“Protecting electricity infrastructure is a collective responsibility. Vandalism deprives entire communities of electricity and negatively affects businesses, livelihoods and other socio-economic activities,” Goniri said.

He called for greater cooperation between communities and security agencies to protect electricity facilities and prevent further vandalism across the state.