Young Girl Apprehended for Attempted Theft of Water Pumping Machine, States Intended Sale Price

A resident has shared an unsettling experience involving the apprehension of a young girl caught attempting to steal a water pumping machine from her compound. The narrative began when a housemate alerted the homeowner, who was preparing for church, that a thief had been discovered within their premises.

Upon investigating, the homeowner was surprised to find that the alleged thief was a young girl. During questioning, the girl indicated her intention to sell the pumping machine to scrap metal collectors for one thousand naira, a stark contrast to the machine's actual market value of approximately N180,000.

The homeowner detailed the event, expressing shock at the discovery. She recounted being in the bathroom when her housemate urgently called for her attention, shouting about a thief in their compound. Initially confused due to the securely locked gate, she was astonished by what she witnessed upon rushing outside.

Neighbours had already gathered in the backyard, where the young girl was found holding their water pumping machine. The homeowner expressed disbelief, questioning how the girl managed to carry such a heavy item. When asked who sent her, the girl responded in Hausa, claiming she did not understand English.

Another neighbour intervened to question the girl further, leading to the revelation of her plan. The girl admitted that such items are typically stolen and sold to scrap buyers. When asked about the potential selling price of the pumping machine, she stated N1,000.

The homeowner described feeling a mixture of shock and anger upon hearing this, highlighting the significant disparity between the intended sale price and the machine's true worth. Although some neighbours suggested involving the police, the homeowner declined, citing a previous discouraging experience where a reported thief was released shortly after apprehension and allegedly extorted money.

Due to this past incident, the homeowner opted against police involvement, proposing instead to take the girl to the local traditional leader. However, the neighbours, angered by the attempted theft, insisted that the girl must first reveal the buyer of previously stolen items before any handover.

The homeowner concluded by expressing the surprising nature of the event and her disbelief that a young girl could attempt to carry and steal such a heavy piece of equipment. She urged the public to remain vigilant and aware of individuals who might pose as beggars or service providers, study their surroundings, and later return to commit theft.