The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has raised the alarm over the growing menace of vandalism across its network, lamenting the significant financial losses and tragic loss of lives resulting from the destruction of electricity infrastructure.
According to the company, vandalism results to substantial revenue losses through unbilled energy which is electricity that cannot be distributed, consumed, or billed due to the destruction of power infrastructure. These losses are further compounded by the enormous costs of replacing, repairing, and restoring critical electricity assets, including transformers, power cables, conductors, poles, and other essential distribution equipment damaged or stolen by vandals.
Equally disturbing is the human cost of these criminal activities. Five lives have been lost in vandalism-related incidents over the past three years, underscoring the grave dangers associated with attacks on electricity infrastructure.
Speaking on the development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Mr. Deolu Ijose, described the rising wave of vandalism as a serious threat to electricity supply, public safety, economic activities, and national development across the company’s franchise.
“The increasing rate of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure is deeply troubling and unsustainable. Beyond the enormous financial implications, these criminal activities continue to disrupt power supply to millions of customers, destroy critical national assets, and expose communities to significant safety risks ,” he said.
Mr. Ijose noted that the continued destruction of electricity infrastructure undermines the company’s significant investments in network expansion, service improvement, and reliability.
“Electricity infrastructure is a critical national asset that must be protected by all stakeholders. We urgently call on security agencies, host communities, traditional institutions, the media, and government at all levels to strengthen collaboration with IBEDC in identifying, apprehending, and prosecuting those responsible for these criminal acts,”_ he added.
The IBEDC boss also appealed to residents across the company’s franchise areas to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around power installations, substations, transformers, and distribution lines.
Signed
Angela Olanrewaju
Coordinating Head, Corporate Services
