The Ondo State Police Command has launched an investigation into a suspected arson attack that destroyed a warehouse stocked with prepaid electricity meters valued at over ₦10 million in Okitipupa.
Police spokesperson, DSP Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the development in a phone interview on Thursday, describing the incident as a serious crime
“We have commenced a full investigation into the arson incident at the prepaid meter warehouse. The public should be rest assured that the perpetrators will be brought to justice once our investigation is concluded,” Ayanlade said.
The attack, which occurred on Monday, targeted a warehouse belonging to Active Achievers Nigeria Limited, one of the Meter Asset Providers accredited by the Ondo State Government under the O’Datiwa Metering Scheme.
The facility, located on Barracks Road in Okitipupa, reportedly housed over 100 Active Energy Prepaid Meters, all of which were destroyed in the blaze.
Speaking to journalists, the company’s Managing Director, Henry Akinbola-Oyinbo, expressed shock over the incident, saying residents could do little to stop the inferno due to its intensity.
“We were informed early in the morning that a raging fire was consuming our warehouse,” he said. “Our prepaid meters are not inflammable, so it’s hard to believe this could have happened without someone deliberately setting it ablaze. This is a devastating act of sabotage.”
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Akinbola-Oyinbo lamented that the attack appeared to be a deliberate attempt to frustrate Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s metering initiative, which aims to eliminate estimated billing for electricity consumers in the state.
“This is a commendable project by the governor, and it’s unfortunate that some bad elements want to derail it,” he added.
He called on security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure that those behind the attack are identified and prosecuted.
