By Oludamisi Ojo
Vandalization and stealing of electricity cables are now rampant in the four local government areas of Akoko in Ondo state which have thrown many residents into darkness.

Besides, many artisans and others who depend on electricity supply are facing untold economic hardship.

Findings revealed that over 15 cases of such incidents had occurred at Okeagbe, Iyoke, and Arigidi where transformer cables were carted away in the night by men of the underworld who specialized in electricity cable vandalization.

A community leader at Arigidi Akoko, Chief Adebisi Kura noted that the incessant vandalization is an impediment to rapid economic growth in the affected communities.

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He noted that residents are now keeping night vigils to protect their transformers from theft.
Chief Adebisi urged communities to form vigilante groups to reduce such ugly incidents which he described as economic sabotage.

Another community leader, Chief Tayo Origbemisoye condemned the act and called on communities with transformers to embark on internal security to be able to apprehend the culprits.

Efforts to speak with Ikare Akoko Manager of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) proved abortive at press time.