MBALANO, ISUIKWUATO — The Executive Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Ekeke, has raised alarm over recent attempts by unscrupulous individuals to steal construction materials from public project sites and vandalize critical electricity infrastructure across the local government area.
In a comprehensive and passionate address to community stakeholders, Mayor Ekeke firmly condemned these acts of sabotage, warning that public theft and infrastructural vandalism directly undermine grassroots development efforts, delay vital employment opportunities for local youths, and compromise the overall security of the municipality.
Among the primary targets of this illegal activity is the council’s ongoing piggery project situated in Amuta, Ward 3. Criminal elements recently attempted to steal roofing sheets from the site of the piggery situated along Umuokogbuo road—a landmark initiative specifically designed by the local government council to boost local food production, drive agricultural innovation, and create sustainable economic livelihoods for young people across Isuikwuato.
In another alarming incident occurring just days prior, vandals attempted to dismantle and steal high-tension electricity wires stretching from Abia State University toward Amiyi Uhu. Had this theft succeeded, it would have plunged several neighboring communities into prolonged darkness, severely disrupting local commercial activities, essential healthcare delivery, and daily domestic life.
Expressing deep concern over these acts of civic sabotage, Mayor Ekeke emphasized that public facilities and government projects belong entirely to the citizens of Isuikwuato. “We cannot build with one hand and destroy with the other,” the Mayor stated emphatically. He reminded residents that stealing government property or vandalizing public utilities ultimately deprives their own communities of long-awaited development, forcing the local council to divert scarce financial resources toward replacing stolen items rather than executing new developmental projects.
The Mayor contrasted these destructive acts with the extensive financial and logistical investments the Isuikwuato Local Government Council has continuously made to bolster security operations. The administration recently released funds to the military to support accommodation for soldiers deployed to an area affected by recent kidnappings.
Furthermore, the administration procured five brand-new motorcycles for the Isuikwuato Development Union (IDU) to replace vehicles previously reallocated to the 143 Battalion for military patrols. The council also fully funded operational expenses and provided two additional motorcycles for a dedicated five-man community vigilante group patrolling along the Ahaba axis.
While acknowledging that external criminal elements sometimes infiltrate Isuikwuato from neighboring states, Mayor Ekeke noted that local thefts at construction sites strongly suggest the likelihood of internal collusion within the communities. He stressed that law enforcement agencies, security personnel, and military units cannot monitor every electricity pole or building site without active, vigilant community cooperation and intelligence sharing.
Consequently, the Mayor issued an urgent call to action to traditional rulers, presidents-general, village heads, religious leaders, women groups, and youth organizations to foster a strong culture of civic protection. He appealed directly to parents to guide their children against criminal activities, while sternly warning community members against shielding perpetrators, purchasing stolen construction materials, or excusing criminal conduct out of family, political, or social ties.
Reaffirming his administration’s unwavering commitment to the well-being of every citizen, Mayor Ekeke urged all Isuikwuato sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities immediately through lawful channels, and join hands with the local government council to safeguard the peace, security, dignity, and shared prosperity of Isuikwuato LGA.
