The Benin Electricity Distribution Company Electricity Plc (BEDC), has cried out over the rising cases of vandalisation of its facilities across its franchise area, noting that such amounted to economic crime as well as an act of sabotage against the good purpose and intents of the company.
In a press statement by the company’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Mr Adekunle Tayo, he appealed to members of the public on the need to be vigilant and security conscious on the activities of some unruly elements in the society, whose aim is to make life unbearable for law-abiding citizens through their nefarious acts.
According to BEDC, the power sector had been the most hit in the most devastating manner, adding that the effects of vandalism could not be overemphasised as customers were being starved of power as a result of the activities of vandals.
“The recent surge in cases of vandalism within our franchise area calls for greater attention. More worrisome is the fact that these miscreants are continuously innovating new ideas beyond human comprehension to perpetrate their criminal acts. We see the recent vandalism of 14 spans of electrical conductors in Ilu-titun, Southern Ondo State, on a line currently being rehabilitated by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) as very disturbing.
“More disturbing is the fact that Okitipupa town was recently thrown into blackout as a result of the vandalism of 20 spans of electrical conductors which occurred between Ode-Aye and Okitipupa. As a company, we see these as acts of economic sabotage against the good intents of BEDC,” he added.
According to Mr Tayo, “BEDC regrets the situation whereby the money that could have been judiciously invested on network upgrade such as energisation of new transformers or construction of new lines to relief existing ones would now be channelled towards replacing the vandalised items. It is indeed unfortunate that revenue that could be used for critical development projects are being used to restore damaged and stolen equipment.
“We are however not relenting in our quest to overcome this societal issue through improved community relations drive of involving all stakeholders at the grassroots aside ensuring that our facilities are well secured in our bid to arrest this ugly trend,” the statement added.
“Vandalism of electricity distribution network and other forms of electrical thefts are serious threats to power sector sustainability and economic growth and have been major acts negatively affecting service delivery to customers.
“Efforts by BEDC at curbing the menace of vandalism on its network had received a boost with the arrest and sentencing of vandals in Edo, Delta and Kogi states,” he added.
The company called for tougher laws that would be enforced to protect public property, especially electricity infrastructure.
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