The Bayelsa State Government has issued a stern warning to community leaders across the state, declaring that those who fail to safeguard transformers and other critical electrical infrastructure will now face serious sanctions. This new directive comes as the government intensifies its fight against the rising tide of vandalism that has led to prolonged power outages in the region, leaving citizens frustrated and businesses crippled.
The Acting Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, delivered this stern message on Tuesday during the inauguration of a 10-member anti-vandalization task force at the First Lady’s Conference Hall in Government House, Yenagoa. The task force is mandated to tackle the growing problem of power infrastructure vandalism that has plagued the state, costing the government millions of Naira in repairs and contributing to the ongoing power crisis.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ewhrudjakpo linked the state’s prolonged blackout—spanning nearly five months—to the unchecked activities of criminals targeting the power transmission lines. He decried the lack of proactive action from some community leaders, including paramount rulers, CDC (Community Development Committee) chairmen, and youth presidents, who he accused of failing to protect these vital assets within their communities.
The Acting Governor’s frustration was evident as he addressed the root causes of the power outages, which he attributed to deliberate sabotage. "Government can no longer bear the blame for these power failures," Ewhrudjakpo stated. "We have spent over N800 million to restore power supply in the state, yet criminal elements continue to undermine our efforts. We can no longer tolerate the involvement, direct or indirect, of community leaders in these criminal activities."
According to the Acting Governor, out of 590 transformers installed across Bayelsa, an alarming 253 have been vandalized in the past five months alone. The cost of repairing these damaged transformers has amounted to a staggering N675 million, further burdening the state’s resources. Ewhrudjakpo also pointed out the complicity of some local leaders, who, instead of taking action, either tolerate or are actively involved in the theft of electrical equipment.
In an even more forceful statement, the Governor warned that community leaders would now be held accountable for any vandalism that occurs within their jurisdictions. "You have a duty to protect these assets. If transformers or any electrical installations are stolen in your communities, we will hold you responsible," Ewhrudjakpo declared. He also mentioned that youth presidents would be investigated for their roles in any such criminal activities, making it clear that no one was exempt from the new policy.
The task force, which will be led by retired Commissioner of Police Mary George, has been given the authority to take decisive action against anyone involved in the theft or illegal sale of electrical components. "If you are caught selling second-hand electrical goods—be it air conditioners, cables, or transformers—without a legitimate source, you will be asked to account for where it came from," Ewhrudjakpo emphasized. "Those who engage in these illegal activities will face the full wrath of the law."
The government’s commitment to addressing this issue is clear. Senator Ewhrudjakpo reiterated that the state had already invested significant funds to restore electricity, but it would be a waste if the issue of vandalism was not addressed head-on. He praised the anti-vandalization committee for stepping up to the challenge and assured Bayelsans that they would not back down in their efforts to protect the state’s power infrastructure.
The committee members, including Engr. Tonbra Allen Diegbegha (Secretary), Mr. Timothy Inatimi, Mr. Ebitari Egba, and Mr. Perediseghabofa Orufa, as well as other key figures such as Mr. Desmond Amaebi Oti and DSP Enema Effiong Okon, are tasked with swiftly investigating and responding to acts of vandalism across the state.
Bayelsa residents can now expect a more rigorous and immediate response to the persistent power outages that have crippled the state. As the anti-vandalization committee begins its work, the state government is sending a clear message to all: The days of tolerating criminal activity targeting the state’s vital infrastructure are over. The government is fully committed to restoring and maintaining power supply, and community leaders who fail in their duties will be held accountable.
