Ikeja Electric, Epe Community Seal Partnership to Tackle Vandalism

In a proactive move to safeguard power infrastructure and strengthen community collaboration, Ikeja Electric (IE) has convened a strategic stakeholder engagement with leaders of the Epe Local Government Area, Ikosi-Ejirin, and Eredo Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The session, which held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, brought together community leaders, youth representatives, security agencies, and local government officials in a united front against the persistent challenge of electrical infrastructure vandalism.

The meeting sought to design a robust community-led response to vandalism — a threat that continues to cripple electricity supply, damage critical assets, and stifle economic and social growth in affected communities.

“These assets belong to all of us. Protecting them means protecting our access to reliable power,”
— Emmanuel Iberuche, Business Manager, Ikorodu, Ikeja Electric

Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Iberuche, Ikorodu Business Manager at Ikeja Electric, lamented the financial and operational toll vandalism has taken on the company’s network.

“On the Agbowa line alone, we have lost over 4,700 meters of aluminum conductor and recorded nine transformer vandalism cases — costing not less than ₦50 million. These are funds that could have gone into improving infrastructure and service delivery,” he explained.

He urged residents to take ownership of power assets in their neighborhoods, emphasizing that vigilance and community cooperation are key to ensuring reliable electricity.

Representing IE’s Chief Security Officer, Paul Airoboman shared alarming statistics, noting that of the 47 vandalism incidents recorded this year, 15 occurred in the Ikorodu Business Unit — with six cases in Epe alone.

“We need community cooperation through vigilante support, awareness sessions, and credible intelligence reporting. Together, we can secure our power network,” he said.

Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, Chairman of Epe Local Government, expressed firm support for the initiative, pledging closer coordination with security agencies.

“Epe’s development is tied to stable power. We will not tolerate acts that sabotage progress. My office is committed to ensuring offenders are prosecuted,” she affirmed.

Representing the youth, Hon. Mahruf Odunare, Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, pledged that young people would serve as advocates for infrastructure protection.

“We will spread the message among our peers and emphasize that vandalism not only disrupts power but also jeopardizes our collective future,” he said.

Delivering remarks on behalf of the company’s spokesperson, Mrs. Olufadeke Omo-Omorodion, Community and Media Relations Lead, emphasized the strict penalties awaiting offenders under the Electricity Act.

“The law provides for imprisonment of up to 10 years, or life in cases where vandalism endangers lives or causes widespread disruption. There is no option of fine,” she clarified.

She added that Ikeja Electric was intensifying community sensitization campaigns to bridge trust gaps and strengthen relationships with residents.

“Our communities are our greatest partners. By reporting suspicious activities through our safety hotlines, residents can help us prevent vandalism before it happens,” she urged.

The meeting ended with a unanimous commitment from stakeholders to establish a joint task force comprising representatives from local governments, security agencies, youth groups, and community leaders. The task force will monitor power infrastructure, coordinate rapid response to incidents, and lead public enlightenment campaigns.

Chief Bashorun Abayomi, Chairman of the Epe Community Development Committee (CDC), commended Ikeja Electric’s proactive engagement.

“We are setting up a community-based surveillance network and will embark on a massive awareness campaign. This is our shared responsibility,” he said.

The collaborative model, once operational, is expected to drastically reduce vandalism cases and promote a culture of ownership, vigilance, and shared accountability — key pillars for achieving sustainable power reliability in Epe and beyond.