BENIN: The Edo State Task Force for the Protection of Government Property has arrested an individual for attempting to steal materials from the premises of the now-defunct Bendel Brewery.
The suspect was arrested during a routine patrol conducted by the task force, which has a mandate to secure and safeguard state-owned assets.
He was allegedly caught in the act of removing iron components from the brewery, a property owned by the Edo State government.
Following the apprehension, the suspect was handed over to law enforcement at the Oregbeni Division Area Command, where he is currently undergoing preliminary investigation.
The arrest underscores the Edo State government’s firm stance against vandalism and theft on public property.
Officials reiterated that securing government assets is a key priority within the administration’s broader framework for institutional accountability and the rule of law.
In a move towards transparency, the task force has submitted a formal report on the incident to the appropriate office.
The development comes amid a statewide initiative to bolster security at state-owned facilities, many of which have been neglected and susceptible to unauthorized access over the years.
Officials praised the vigilance of the monitoring team and affirmed that proactive measures will continue to be taken to curb criminal activity on government properties.
The Edo State Government is urging residents to collaborate with its efforts by reporting any suspicious activities, emphasizing that public vigilance is crucial for protecting shared investments.
