11th December, 2024
By Isa Isawade
The Chairperson of Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, has condemned the vandalisation of newly installed electric cables in the division.
Animashaun said this after efforts to reconnect some communities in Epe local government area to the national grid following a prolonged power outage suffered a setback.
The setback was a result of the vandalisation of some newly installed cables at Ererufu village between Ketu and Itokin, and also at Temu, Araga and Sala, all in the Epe divisional area of Lagos State.
She, however, assured the community of her commitment to restore the electricity before the festive period.
“The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and the entire Epe indigenes express grave concern over the recent vandalisation of electric cables in Ererufu village and other areas, as part of the ongoing electrification restoration aimed at enhancing the lives of residents in the Epe local government area.
“This wanton act of destruction not only undermines the progress of the restoration of electricity but also poses a significant setback to the socio-economic development of the entire Epe division as a whole.
“The cables, recently installed by the EKEDC, were meant to bring much-needed electricity to Epe Local Government and its environs, thereby improving the living standards and economic prospects of the residents.
“However, the senseless act of vandalism threatens to deprive the town of this vital infrastructure, which was implemented at a significant cost to the Epe LG, EKEDC, stakeholders and the good people of Epe division,” Animashaun said.
She called on the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), Nigeria Army (NA), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), the Ibile Boys, Muwon security outfit, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies in the council area to intensify efforts in protecting critical infrastructure facilities across the local government area of the state.
“We urge these agencies to collaborate closely with local communities and other stakeholders to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous crime.
“It is imperative for the Epe residents and other communities to understand the grave implications of such a dastardly act. While neighbouring town and its surroundings would continue to revel in consistent and uninterrupted electricity, Epe town would remain entrenched in perpetual darkness, but we will leave no stone unturned to restore the electricity before the festive period,” she appealed.
