In a concerted effort to combat the growing menace of electrical infrastructure vandalism, Ikeja Electric (IE) held a key stakeholder engagement forum with community leaders and representatives from the Civil Defence, the National Youth Council, Security Agencies, and the Epe Local Government.
The meeting, held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, brought together top management from Ikeja Electric and local stakeholders to devise a robust strategy against vandalism, which has significantly impacted power supply in the area.
The discussion focused on the severe consequences of these destructive acts, including frequent power outages, damage to expensive equipment, safety risks, and a significant disruption to the socio-economic activities of the community.
Speaking at the event, Engr. Emmanuel, Business Manager for Ikeja Electric’s Ikorodu Business Unit, highlighted the financial toll of vandalism on the company’s operations. “In Epe alone, on the Agbowa line, we have lost 4,700 meters of pure aluminium conductor, experienced 13 cases of HT (High Tension) losses, and 9 cases of DT (Distribution Transformer) vandalism, costing us nothing less than ₦50 million. This is money that could have been used to improve infrastructure and enhance service delivery,” he stated.
“We want to work with you to foster a sense of ownership. These assets belong to all of us, and we must protect them together for a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. A small act of vigilance can prevent a major outage and save your community from days of darkness.”
Engr. Babatunde Asaaju, the Chief Security Officer for Ikeja Electric, represented by Paul Airoboman, Physical Security Manager for Ikeja Electric, shared alarming statistics, revealing the extent of the problem in the Epe community. “Of the 47 vandalism cases Ikeja Electric has experienced this year, the Ikorodu Business Unit accounts for 15, and the Epe Community alone accounts for six of those cases. This is a serious concern. We urge community leaders to collaborate with us by engaging vigilante groups, organizing awareness sessions, and reporting security concerns with credible evidence.”
“We are committed to working with our communities to create a fortified front against these criminal elements. With your cooperation, we can ensure that our installations remain safe, and our customers enjoy a stable power supply.”
The Chairman of Epe Local Government, Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, expressed her unwavering support for the initiative. “The economic growth of Epe is directly tied to a consistent power supply. We will not tolerate criminal acts that undermine our progress. My office will continue to collaborate with law enforcement agencies and community leaders to ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Chief Bashorun Abayomi, Chairman of the Epe Community Development Committee (CDC), in his response, appreciated Ikeja Electric’s proactive approach. “Our community leaders are ready to partner with Ikeja Electric to end this menace. We have agreed to establish a community-based surveillance network to report vandals and will also embark on a massive public awareness campaign to educate our people on the importance of protecting electrical infrastructure.”
The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, Hon. Mahruf Odunare, who was also present at the meeting, reiterated the commitment of the youth in the community to the fight against vandalism. “As the voice of the youth, we are committed to being ambassadors of this campaign. We will take this message to our peers, reminding them of the legal consequences and the importance of preserving public infrastructure for our future.”
Speaking on behalf of Ikeja Electric’s spokesperson, Kingsley Okotie, the Community and Media Relations Lead, Mrs. Olufadeke Omo-Omorodion, elaborated on the severe punishment for vandalism. “To be very clear, the law is not lenient on vandals. The Electricity Act, as amended, provides for stiff penalties. Depending on the gravity of the offense, a vandal can face a prison term of up to 10 years, or even life imprisonment if their actions endanger lives or cause significant disruption to public order. There is no option of a fine.”
Mrs. Omo-Omorodion urged residents to take an active role in the solution. “We are working closely with security agencies to ensure that anyone caught will face the full weight of the law. To stay on the good side of the law, we encourage every resident to be a part of the solution. Report any suspicious activity around electrical installations to our emergency whistleblowing hotlines. Your vigilance is our greatest asset in this fight.”
“We will also focus on closing communication gaps and increasing sensitization. Most importantly, we aim to improve our understanding with community members to build a more trusting, collaborative relationship where residents see us as a partner, not just a service provider.”
The meeting concluded with a commitment from all parties to form a joint task force to effectively monitor and combat vandalism. This collaborative approach is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of vandalism and lead to a more reliable power supply in Epe.
