EKEDC’s customers affected as vandals destroy power cables in Lagos

Solomon Ezeme

The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), has reported a case of power facility damage that is currently affecting electricity supply to its customers in some parts of popular Alaba International Market, Ilogbo Elegba, Shibiri, Jakande, and other areas in Lagos State.

The Power Distribution Company (DisCo) in a notice issued on Tuesday, revealed that its distribution cables around the Lagos State University (LASU) have been destroyed by yet-to-be-identified vandals.

It rendered an apology to customers, giving them assurances that new cables would be fixed to restore power to their communities.

“The present outage on Festac 1 33KV Feeder is due to vandalism of our cables around LASU.

“Affected areas are Jakande, Sabo, Igbede, Shibiri, Etegbin, Ilufe, Afromedia, Aka road, Remi, Part of Alaba International Market, Mosafejo, Sowemimo, Agbabiaka, Ilogbo Elegba and environs.

“Efforts are ongoing to replace the vandalized cables and restore supply as soon as possible. We apologize for the inconvenience and ask that you bear with us,” it said.

Some concerned customers of the DisCo who reacted to the development, expressed their displeasure with the unfortunate incident, advising it to tighten security around its public facilities.

A customer, Friday Ehimiaghe, advised that DisCos across the country should work together with security operatives and the communities under their individual networks to ensure that areas where power facilities are situated, are well-lit at night.

This, according to him, will restrain vandals from easily carrying out their heinous activities and consequently facilitate their arrest by security operatives.

“The rate at which they vandalize electric cables these days is alarming.

“Communities should partners with Electricity providers by installing solar systems to provide light at places where those cables are installed.

“Also security men are needed in those areas to reduce the rate of theft,” Ehimiaghe advised.

Henry Okey who showed his utter disdain for the incessant cases of power vandalism in the country, said, “Sure this act should stop because it affects a lot of people.

“Vandalism is not the right word but ‘chronic stealing’. And when vandals are arrested, they should be locked up in prison forever.”