Animashaun Condemns Vandalisation Of Electricity Cables In Epe Division

Efforts to reconnect some communities in Epe local government area to the national grid after prolonged power outage has suffered a setback following the vandalisation of some newly installed cables at Ererufu village, between Ketu and Itokin, also at Temu, Araga and Sala, all in Epe divisional area of Lagos State.

The Chairman, Epe Local Government Area of Lagos State, Princess Surah Animashaun, stated this while giving an update on the vandalisation of newly installed cables, reiterated her commitment to retore the electricity before the festive period.

However, a report recently stated that some of the cables already installed at these areas made it possible to restore the electricity a week ago, noting that the newly installed cables have been vandalised, plunged the town in darkness again.

The Chairman said “The Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) and the entire Epe indigenes expresses 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 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.”

The Chairman, Princess Surah Animashaun called on the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Army, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC), the Ibile Boys, Muwon security outfit, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts in protecting critical infrastructure facilities across the local government area of the state.

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“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 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 festive period.

“But, without adequate protection of infrastructure, the goal of bringing light to the Epe LG and its environs will remain elusive, hindering progress and development of the council area and its environs.

“The Epe LG, EKEDC and others remains committed to restore the electricity and calls upon all stakeholders, including community leaders and residents, to join hands in safeguarding the infrastructure that is crucial for the well-being and prosperity of the entire local government area of Lagos state.”