Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) in Ilesha, Osun State, claimed that hoodlums invaded the station and carted away cash and destroyed equipment worth over N360 million while injuring some staff..
In a report by The Nation, the DISCO said the losses were worth N240 million and that by the time its personnel were allowed to access the offices and facilities, which were cordoned off for safety, they would be able to assess the substation that was also vandalised.
If the substation is damaged, it would cost another N120 million to put it in working condition, thereby bringing the total cost of the damage to N360 million.
The firm’s Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, John Donnachie, briefing reporters in Lagos at the weekend, said due to the extensive damage done to the distribution network infrastructure, specifically the Oke-Omiru injection substation and the accompanying district facilities, power could not be restored because huge cash would be required to revamp and rehabilitate the infrastructure.
He said the company has however, restored power supply to the neighbouring towns which were not affected.
He said as a result of the huge damage to the facilities, supply to the affected communities would not be achieved soonest. This is the unfortunate aftermath of the mayhem unleashed in Ilesha about two weeks ago, he added.
He said: “When a group of hoodlums armed with dangerous weapons like guns, machetes and other sharp objects from Bolorunduro and Olomilagbala communities under Isare Service centre, swooped on the office infrastructures, they shot sporadically into the air to create panic and chaos while their operation lasted. They forcefully gained entrance into the cash office, carted away money from our cash collections and took away mobile phones of some of our staff. “
