Lagos LG boss kicks as vandals throw communities into darkness
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The chairperson for the Epe Local Government Area in Lagos State, Surah Animashaun, has described the vandalisation of newly installed electricity cables in the area as a setback to an effort aimed at restoring the LG to the national grid.
Animashaun, in a statement made available to PUNCH Metro by her media office on Sunday, stressed that the action had left several communities in the LG in darkness.
She added that communities like Ererufu village between Ketu and Itokin, and also at Temu, Araga, and Sala, were affected by the vandalism.
The statement read, “The Eko Electricity Distribution Company 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.
“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.
While stressing the need for residents to ensure that national facilities such as the electricity cable were adequately protected, she urged members of the security agencies to ensure the protection of critical national assets.
The LG boss stressed that communities that engaged in vandalism would often bear the brunt of their actions.
She continued, “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, 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.”
She, however, assured the community of her commitment to restore the electricity before the festive period.
“The Epe LG, EKEDC and others remain committed to restoring 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,” she appealed.
