Ikorodu and Epe lead in infrastructure vandalism -Ikeja Electric

Ikorodu and Epe lead in infrastructure vandalism -Ikeja Electric

Lagos, Nigeria; September 29, 2025

In a decisive move to curb the rising tide of electrical infrastructure vandalism, Ikeja Electric Plc (IE) convened a stakeholder engagement forum with community leaders, the National Youth Council, security agencies, and representatives from Epe Local Government Area (LGA), Ikosi-Ejirin, and Eredo Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs). The meeting, held at the Epe Local Government Secretariat, aimed to forge a united front against vandalism, which has severely disrupted power supply in the region.

The forum addressed the devastating effects of vandalism, including frequent power outages, damaged equipment, disrupted socio-economic activities, and heightened health and safety risks. Emmanuel Iberuche, Ikorodu Business Manager for Ikeja Electric, highlighted the financial and operational toll. “On the Agbowa line alone, we’ve lost 4,700 meters of aluminum conductor and recorded nine cases of distribution transformer vandalism, costing over ₦50 million. These funds could have been invested in improving infrastructure and service delivery,” he said.  

Iberuche called for collective action, urging community leaders to foster a sense of ownership over electrical assets. “These assets belong to us all. A small act of vigilance can prevent outages and save communities from days of darkness,” he emphasized.

Paul Airoboman, representing Ikeja Electric’s Chief Security Officer, revealed alarming statistics: “Of the 47 vandalism cases recorded by Ikeja Electric this year, 15 occurred in the Ikorodu Business Unit, with six in Epe alone. We urge community leaders to engage vigilante groups, organize awareness campaigns, and report credible evidence of suspicious activities.”

Hon. (Princess) Surah Olayemi Animashaun, Chairman of Epe LGA, reaffirmed her commitment to the initiative. “A stable power supply is critical to Epe’s economic growth. We will not tolerate acts that undermine our progress. My administration will work with law enforcement and community leaders to ensure vandals face justice,” she declared.

Chief Bashorun Abayomi, Chairman of Epe LG’s Community Development Committee (CDC), praised Ikeja Electric’s proactive stance. “We are ready to partner with IE to end this menace. We will establish a community-based surveillance network and launch a massive awareness campaign to educate residents on protecting electrical infrastructure,” he said.

The Deputy Speaker of the Lagos State Youth Parliament, Hon. Mahruf Odunare, pledged the youth’s support. “We will champion this campaign among our peers, emphasizing the importance of preserving public infrastructure and the legal consequences of vandalism,” he stated.

Mrs. Olufadeke Omo-Omorodion, Ikeja Electric’s Community and Media Relations Lead, underscored the severe penalties for vandals under the Electricity Act. “Vandals face up to 10 years in prison, or even life imprisonment if their actions endanger lives or disrupt public order. There is no option for a fine,” she warned. She urged residents to report suspicious activities via IE’s safety emergency and whistleblowing hotlines, adding, “Your vigilance is our greatest asset.”

To strengthen ties with communities, Ikeja Electric plans to increase sensitization efforts and foster trust-based relationships. The forum concluded with a commitment to form a joint task force to monitor and combat vandalism, a move expected to enhance power reliability in Epe.