The increasing case of cable theft and vandalism has continued to take its toll on the operations of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC).
The Head, Communications Strategy, Ikeja Electric, Pekun Adeyanju, in a statement therefore urged electricity consumers within its network to join ongoing efforts at enhancing power supply through involvement in the protection of the companies installations and equipment in their communities.
He decried the recent rise in theft of sensitive equipment and malicious damage to the company’s assets over the last two months.
“The company has recorded not less than forty five transformers that were vandalized within the stated period, thereby throwing some communities into darkness,” he stated.
According to Adeyanju, some of the items include Underground cables, Up-riser cables, Feeder Pillar units, and Aluminum Conductors, among others.
He explained that apart from hindering the effectiveness of power distribution within the network vandals also risk prosecution and electrocution as has been the case in several failed attempts by vandals.
“Whilst we thank all our customers for their support, we appeal to customers and members of the public to be vigilant and report any persons involved in the theft or destruction of IE property to security agencies, the nearest IE Business Office.” he said.
It would be recalled that the long arm of the law recently caught up with two men, Suleiman Amusa and his son, Owolabi Amusa who have been jailed for attacking a staff of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) with a machete whilst on official duty at Agbowa-Itokin road, in the outskirt of Ikorodu, Lagos.
In a judgment delivered by the Magistrate, Mr. P.L. Hopeto at the Badagry Magistrate Court 2 on July 2, 2014 under the charge number IKD/C/24C/2010, both defendants were convicted and sentenced to six months imprisonment with hard labour.
Adeyanju said IKEDC was collaborating with the relevant security agencies who have pledged to prosecute offenders as well as safeguard the lives and property of Power companies in reaction to rising cases of vandalism.
He added that the company was also committed to equitable power supply to all customers even as we continue to leverage our partnerships to achieve additional supply outside the national grid, efficient vending platforms, smart metering and transparent billing for energy consumed.
“Culled from The Guardian”
