The Benin Electrical energy Distribution Firm (BEDC) has raised an alarm that no fewer than 43 transformers have been vandalised by hoodlums in its substations throughout Ekiti State within the final six months.
The administration of BEDC said that because of the actions of the vandals, a number of communities within the state have been plunged into darkness, urging the communities to safeguard the amenities via their numerous landlord associations.
Talking with newsmen in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, on Friday, the Senior Industrial Officer of BEDC in Ekiti, Brown Ilori, defined that the event was a setback to its providers to the affected residents.
He known as on the individuals and communities to reinforce their safety surveillance to guard the amenities of their domains for efficient service supply.
Ilori denied insinuations that some employees members of the corporate had been behind these infractions within the state, noting that “it doesn’t take any experience to destroy these transformers.”
He revealed {that a} suspected vandal within the Tinuola space of the state capital had been arrested and handed over to the state police command for correct investigation and eventual prosecution.
He stated, “The 43 substations whose transformers have been vandalised are scattered throughout Ekiti. The 43 transformers had been vandalised within the final six months when such instances turned very rampant. Our plea is for the communities the place these transformers are sited to take possession of the transformers.
“We’re calling on the individuals to safeguard these amenities as a result of they’re inside their area. We wish to contain the individuals to allow them to know that safety is the collective accountability of all.
“Safety is the enterprise of all people. It’s true that we personal the transformers, however they supply mild for the individuals. If the individuals are passive concerning the safety of the transformers, they’re those who bear the brunt and shall be put in perpetual darkness if they permit hoodlums to vandalise the transformers.
“We’ve got held conferences with our employees and warned them that when it’s exterior official hours, don’t go to hold out any repairs on any transformers, regardless of the strain, till the next day. These are the steps we’re taking over our finish right here.
“However fortunately for us, on Tuesday this week, we caught one particular person within the Tinuola space of Ado Ekiti who shouldn’t be a member of our employees. The matter has been reported to the police. The Regional Head has simply handed the suspect over to the police.”
On her half, the BEDC Regional Head, Ekiti, Mrs. Moyo Akin-Afuye, who reiterated the corporate’s dedication to delivering high quality providers to its clients within the state, known as on the individuals to collaborate with the BEDC in defending transformers and different gear within the state.
Akin-Afuye disclosed that the corporate has procured and put in photo voltaic lamps and constructed clear perimeter fencing across the transformers as a part of measures to make sure the safety of the electrical energy gear.
