A civil society organisation, COMPPART Foundation for Justice and Peacebuilding, has appealed to the Akwa Ibom State Government to urgently address the vandalism of electricity infrastructure and unconnected transformers across the state. In a letter to Governor Pastor Umo Eno, the foundation noted that the situation has left several communities without electricity for prolonged periods. The group stated that vandalism of electricity poles, cables, and wires has become widespread across villages in the state.
The foundation's Executive Director, Saviour Akpan, signed the letter, highlighting the consequences of the vandalism on residents and local economies. The group observed that across all villages in the Local Government Areas of Akwa Ibom State, there are widespread instances of vandalism of electric poles, cables, and wires. This has resulted in numerous communities being thrown into prolonged darkness.
COMPPART also drew attention to communities where transformers have been installed but remain unconnected to high-tension lines, as well as others where transformers have broken down without being repaired. The group stated that in many communities, transformers have been installed but are not connected to the high-tension lines, while others have broken down and not been repaired.
The foundation attributed the continued lack of electricity in the affected communities to economic hardship, insecurity, and poor service delivery. The group urged Governor Eno to order a comprehensive assessment of the situation and facilitate the restoration of vandalised infrastructure, connection of dormant transformers, and repairs of faulty transformers across the state's 31 Local Government Areas.
COMPPART proposed measures to prevent renewed vandalism, including greater community ownership and vigilance, involving traditional rulers, youth leaders, women, religious organisations, and civil society groups in protecting electricity infrastructure. The group recommended stronger collaboration between host communities and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), including the establishment of community-based "Infrastructure Watch Teams".
The group also called for the recognition and gazetting of communities that existed before the creation of Akwa Ibom State, arguing that proper leadership structures could help prevent conflicts and improve community administration. COMPPART urged the state government to ensure that villages have written constitutions to regulate youth activities, leadership tenure, and succession.
The foundation proposed a state-wide public enlightenment campaign on the dangers and penalties associated with vandalism, as well as the economic benefits of reliable electricity supply. By taking these steps, the group believes that the state government can address the issue of power infrastructure vandalism and improve the lives of residents in Akwa Ibom State.
Key points
- COMPPART Foundation urges Akwa Ibom State Government to address widespread vandalism of electricity infrastructure.
- The vandalism has left several communities across the state without electricity for prolonged periods.
- The group proposes measures to prevent renewed vandalism, including community ownership and vigilance, and stronger collaboration with security agencies.
