The Delta State Government and community leaders in Isoko have agreed to work together to protect electricity infrastructure following repeated attacks that have disrupted power supply in the area.
The partnership was strengthened during a meeting between the State Commissioner for Energy, Engr. Michael Anoka, and Presidents-General of communities along the Isoko electricity corridor.
Anoka said the engagement became necessary because of the persistent destruction of power facilities, including poles and transmission components, which had slowed efforts to provide reliable electricity to residents.
He expressed concern that public funds were being spent regularly to replace damaged equipment, only for the same facilities to be targeted again by vandals.
The commissioner maintained that safeguarding electricity infrastructure must be a collective responsibility involving government, host communities, security agencies, and residents who benefit from the projects.
He urged community leaders to improve intelligence gathering and help expose both those carrying out the vandalism and individuals involved in purchasing stolen cables and electrical materials.
Anoka also called for a coordinated security arrangement along the power corridor, combining community vigilance with the efforts of relevant government agencies.
He praised the leaders for their cooperation and encouraged them to continue sensitising residents on the dangers of vandalising public infrastructure.
The commissioner further disclosed that an ongoing electricity project would create an additional supply route for communities in the area, improving the stability and reliability of power distribution.
He noted that the success of the initiative would depend on protecting completed projects and ensuring that government investments are preserved.
Speaking for the community leaders, Chief Berkley Asiafa revealed that some suspected vandals had already been apprehended, with legal action ongoing in certain cases.
He called for more security patrols, especially at night and during early morning hours when criminal activities are often carried out.
Asiafa added that communities had introduced local security measures, including the deployment of vigilantes and installation of solar-powered lights around transformers and other vulnerable electricity points.
The community leaders expressed worry over the impact of vandalism on electricity restoration efforts but assured the government of their continued partnership.
The meeting ended with both sides agreeing to strengthen protection around power facilities, improve security coordination, and ensure the successful completion of electricity projects across the corridor.
Key officials and stakeholders at the engagement included the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Energy, Sir Unini Byron; Director of Electricity Power Supply, Engr. Stanley Efenudu; and representatives of Akiewhe-Owhe, Otor-Owhe, Ellu, Iyede, and Emevor communities.
