Several communities in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, are currently experiencing extended power outages due to the theft of electrical cables and transformer components, leaving thousands of residents in darkness.
BenriNews gathered that parts of Ido Local Government Area have been without electricity for months following the vandalization of equipment serving those areas.
The affected communities include Araromi, Odo Eran, Bolorunduro, Apete, Abata Ataa, Ajibode, Awotan, and Papa area. Investigations revealed that the cables and other appliances were stolen at different times, causing severe hardship for residents.
Mr. Rasaki Fabayo, President of the Ajibode, Apete, Awotan, Araromi and Environs Community Development Association, confirmed the situation to BenriNews on Friday.
"They stole cables—armoured, incoming and outgoing. Some communities are contributing money to get new ones," Fabayo explained.
"Transformers at Araromi, Odo Eran, Oju Oja, Bolorunduro, Apete Central, Abata Ataa, Awotan, and Papa 2 are affected. These communities are in total darkness," he added.
The community leader further revealed that some residents have begun pooling resources to replace the stolen cables and appliances, highlighting the significant economic burden this criminal activity has placed on already struggling households.
This incident adds to the growing concerns about infrastructure security in the region, as similar cases of vandalism have been reported in other parts of Oyo State in recent months.
Local authorities have yet to comment on measures being taken to apprehend the perpetrators or prevent future occurrences of such thefts, which continue to disrupt essential services for residents.
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