Modakeke Community Cries Out Over Incessant Stealing Of Transformer Cables

 

By Sodiq Lawal

Residents of Owode Community in Modakeke on Friday cried out against incessant cable theft resulting in erratic power supply in the area.

The residents in their hundreds lamented that the crime had become alarming and called on authorities to beef up security in the community.

A community leader in the area, Alh Yinka Odesola said that crimes committed in the area include stealing of transformer cables, robbery and burglary.

“The most destructive crime in Owode is cable vandalisation; it is so bad that it has worsened the power supply to inhabitants of the area.

“Sometimes we do not even have electricity for months because our transformer cables would have been vandalised.

“We are imploring the government and Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC)make their presence felt in the area,’’ he said.

He said that those destroying and stealing cables could not do so without conniving with officials of the electricity distribution companies.

According to him, burgling a transformer required technical know- how beyond the competence of a layman.

Also speaking with a resident, Pastor Aderemi Adedimeji said that residents were living in fear because of the activities of criminals.

He said that vandals carried out their activities during power outages at night.

“If there is stable electricity, the activities of criminals can be curbed. Effective policing, good access roads will also help,’’ he said.

Corroborating, Mrs Mariam Odeniyi who is a trader, said daily patrol by the police could reduce the activities of criminals.

“We appeal to the security agencies, vigilante groups to live up to their responsibilities, so that this area can be more conducive to live in,’’ she said.

She called on government to provide jobs for youths so they could be productively engaged and not resort to crimes.