The Management of BEDC Electricity (BEDC) Plc says it has offered a life assurance policy to five members of the anti-cult group in lllah Community in Oshimili Local Government Area of Delta for helping to arrest suspected electricity vandals in the Community.

BEDC also donated cartons of energy saving bulbs to help them pay less for power usage as a moral booster whistle blowing agents against economic sabotage.

This is contained in a statement signed by Mr. Ibeamaka Odoh, the Corporate Affairs Officer of BEDC and made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Benin.

The statement also commended Illah Community for effective risk management and the arrest of suspected electricity vandals currently facing trial.

The statement described the rising cases of vandalism across its franchise areas – Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti States, as not only an economic crime, but an act of sabotage against the good purpose and intents of the company.

“The power sector has been the most hit in the most devastating manner as a result of vandalism.

“Residential customers, industries, small and medium scale businesses are being starved of power as a result of the activities of vandals

“The anti-cult group of illah Community assisted BEDC in apprehending vandals who vandalised transformers in the Community.

Vandalism of electricity distribution network and other forms of electrical thefts are serious threats to power sector sustainability and economic growth.

“Increasing vandalism will force the company to spend money meant to improve electricity infrastructure to repair or replace damaged and stolen installations.

“The fight against electricity vandals is a collective responsibility that can only be sustained through collective effort and increased partnership”, the statement added.

Mr. Simple Ugherakpoteni and members of the Asaba business presented the offer on behalf of BEDC management while the Community was represented by His Royal Majesty, Obi Sylvester Jugai, the Ogbelani of Illah.

The statement however, added about 65 poles of high tension cable conductors in Esaba, Otutuaima, Oghangbla and Iuhre-Ogun communities in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta have been vandalised.

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