13 Borno LGAs In Darkness Over Insurgency, Vandalism

The Acting Director of Borno State Rural Electrification Board (REB), Engr. Bukar Yerima, has revealed that 13 out of the 27 local government areas of the State are not supplied electricity due to the activities of Boko Haram terrorists and vandalisation of power installations in the affected areas by vandals.

Yerima made the revelation on Thursday in Maiduguri while speaking on electricity supply in the State in view of the frequent vandalisation of transmission powerlines along Maiduguri-Damaturu highway by terrorists.

He said despite the worrisome situation, the State government has rehabilitated over 100 power transformers in various communities in the state, and urged members of the public to set an eagle-eye on electrical installations within their communities to curb vandalisation of electricity facilities.

He said due to the frequent vandalisation and destruction of the Maiduguri-Damaturu 33kv lines by the terrorists, the State government created a room for dualised Maiduguri-Damaturu power lines, but said due to some inadequacy and challenges, he dualisation was not realised.

The REB Director said due to the stoppage of the dualisation following the challenges and inadequacy by the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the National Electricity Maintenance Agency and City Supply Authority, the State government approved single line for the Maiduguri-Damaturu line as an alternative.

He noted that most of the electrical towers along Bama Road, Dikwa and Konduga, and about 10 other local government areas of the State have been vandalised. He, however, added that security agencies must be commended for having recently arrested some vandals who destroyed electricity conductors and burnt them to sell as metal scraps.

“13 out of the 27 local government areas of Borno State are not getting power supply due to vandalism and insurgency. We keep on rehabilitating while vandals keep on vandalising. They used to remove the electricity conductors and melt them to sell as ‘Ajaokute’. So, because the hoodlums are everywhere, we are faced with issues of securing the power installations.

“It will be good if the citizens can set eagle-eyes on all electrical installations within their communities to curtail vandalisation. The people should report any suspicious activities to traditional rulers or heads of communities to inform the security agencies to take action,” Yerima stated.