The Management of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) on Thursday criticised the rising cases of vandalism of electricity infrastructure across its franchise states in Edo, Ondo, Delta and Ekiti.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Affairs of BEDC, Mr Tayo Adekunle, in Benin.

Adekunle noted that vandalism of electricity distribution network and electrical thefts were negatively affecting its service delivery to its customers.

“Just recently, 14 spans of electricity conductors were vandalised in Ilutitun in Ondo State, a line currently being rehabilitated by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

“Okitipupa town was recently thrown into blackout as a result of the vandalism of 20 spans of electricity conductors, which occurred between Ode-Aye and Okitipupa.

“On July 3, 2021, a 2.5MVA, 33/11KV Injection Substation at Igarra in Edo was vandalised while RUM, upriser cables, incomer cables among others were removed by the vandals.

“Only last week, there was a reported case of high-tension cable conductor vandalism at Esaba, Otutuaima, Oghangbla and Iuhre-Ogun communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta.

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“Sixty-five poles of high tension cable conductors were vadalised,” he said.

Adekunle noted that the recent surge in cases of vandalism within BEDC operation areas called for greater attention, adding that the act was affecting power supply to customers.

The official advocated the enactment of vandalism law that would provide for stiffer penalty to protect public property, especially electricity infrastructure.

Adekunle appealed to members of the public on the need to be vigilant and security conscious on the activities of electricity infrastructure vandals.

According to him, besides being an economic crime, it is an act of sabotage against the good purpose and intents of BEDC.

“It is indeed unfortunate that revenue that could be used for critical development projects are being used to restore damaged and stolen equipment."

He, however, stated that BEDC was not relenting in its quest to overcome the challenge through improved community relations drive at the grassroots.