IBEDC raises alarm over vandalism, reported deaths

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has expressed serious concerns over the escalating vandalism of its electricity infrastructure, which has resulted in significant financial losses and at least five reported deaths in related incidents over the past three years. Angela Olanrewaju, the company's Coordinating Head of Corporate Services, stated that such destruction and theft of electrical assets have led to substantial revenue losses due to unbilled energy – electricity that cannot be distributed, consumed, or billed because of damaged infrastructure.

The company has also incurred considerable expenses to repair, restore, and replace critical electricity facilities affected by these acts of vandalism. These assets include transformers, power cables, conductors, poles, and other distribution equipment.

IBEDC's Managing Director and CEO, Deolu Ijose, described the rising incidents of vandalism as a severe threat to electricity supply, public safety, economic activities, and national development. He emphasized that these criminal acts not only cause substantial financial repercussions but also disrupt power supply to millions of customers, destroy vital national assets, and expose communities to significant safety risks.

Ijose called for stronger collaboration between the company and various stakeholders, including security agencies, host communities, traditional institutions, the media, and governments at all levels, to protect the critical national asset of electricity infrastructure. He also urged residents within the company's franchise areas to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities near power installations, substations, transformers, and distribution lines to the appropriate authorities.