The chairperson of Epe Local Government in Lagos State, Surah Animashaun, has condemned the vandalism of newly installed electricity cables in the area. This act, she said, has disrupted efforts to reconnect the local government to the national grid, leaving several communities in darkness.
In a statement released on Sunday, Animashaun revealed that the vandalized cables, installed by the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC), were critical to the ongoing electrification project aimed at improving living conditions in Epe.
“The recent vandalism in areas such as Ererufu village, Temu, Araga, and Sala is a major setback. It hinders the socio-economic development of the Epe division, depriving residents of essential infrastructure meant to enhance their lives,” the statement read.
Animashaun urged security agencies to collaborate with communities to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding public infrastructure, noting that vandalism not only causes immediate hardships but also hampers long-term progress.
“The impact of such actions is severe. While neighboring areas enjoy stable electricity, affected communities remain in darkness. This underscores the need for vigilance and cooperation among stakeholders,” she added.
Despite the setback, Animashaun reassured residents of her commitment to restoring power. She called on community leaders and residents to work together in protecting the infrastructure to ensure sustained development in the region.
The Epe LG and EKEDC are determined to complete the electrification project, aiming to bring lasting benefits to the entire local government area.
