The theft of electricity cables, particularly uprisers, has escalated into a significant concern for communities across the country especially within Osun State; most especially in the Ile-Ife community. Residents are increasingly alarmed as they find themselves without electricity for extended periods, often due to the theft of cables that supply their homes. This issue is not merely an inconvenience; it is a crisis that demands urgent attention from the management of electricity distribution companies and relevant authorities.

The pattern of cable theft in Ile-Ife has become distressingly predictable. Community members often receive distressing news that their electricity supply has been disrupted due to stolen cables or damaged transformers. When they report these incidents to electricity distribution companies like the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) they are met with frustrating delays and a lack of accountability. It is not uncommon for entire communities to remain without power for months or even years, forcing residents to contribute financially to replace stolen cables or repair damaged transformers.

One of the most pressing questions raised by concerned community members is: Who has the knowledge and capability to steal these cables that are in service, if not people that are familiar with the system? It is hard to ignore the possibility that unscrupulous employees within these organizations may be complicit in the thefts. They possess intimate knowledge of the systems and infrastructure, making them prime suspects in this ongoing crisis. This is not to deny the fact of saboteurs within communities, working hand-in-hand with this element. The community saboteurs are always quick to result to fund raising instead of investigation and addressing the appropriate authorities.

While this menace is like a reoccurring decimal in most Western states like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti, if not the entire Nigerian as a whole, the occurrence in Osun has become a cankerworm that needs outright fumigation. In Ile-Ife, sooner or later, there would hardly be a community without incidence of stolen cable or misinformation of spoilt transformer which usually result in community contribution.

This suspicion is further fueled by the frequency with which these thefts occur, suggesting a coordinated effort rather than random acts of vandalism. The situation becomes even more troubling when we consider the pattern of events that often follows a theft. For example, shortly after a community successfully raise funds to replace a stolen cable, they are informed that their transformer became faulty and requires additional contributions for repairs. The term “blown-off” is commonly used. In this case, it was one week after the replacement of the stolen cable. But if the damage of the transformer is due to the installed cable, then who installed it? The installer is definitely the company staff or agents. This cycle of theft and subsequent financial burden on residents appears to be a well-orchestrated scheme. It raises serious questions about the integrity and accountability of the electricity distribution companies.

It is imperative to emphasize that the responsibility for securing and maintaining electrical infrastructure lies squarely with the electricity distribution companies. It is unacceptable for these companies to shift the burden onto customers who are already paying for their services. Just as it would be outrageous for a gas vendor to demand that customers pay for the replacement of damaged or stolen gas pumps before they could access gas, so too is it unjust for electricity companies to expect communities to finance repairs of stolen or damaged equipment.

Disturbingly, some uninformed staff members within these companies have claimed that they are not responsible for protecting their properties at every location. This assertion is not only misguided but also reflects a dangerous lack of accountability. If there are no clear protocols for monitoring and securing electrical infrastructure, then it is reasonable for communities to suspect foul play from those who are supposed to serve them.

Moreover, there is a glaring lack of information and transparency to the communities regarding who should have access to these transformers among staffs of the electricity company and when they should visit. Without proper notification or identification, community members are left vulnerable and uncertain about who may be trespassing on such property. This opens the door for potential thefts and further erodes trust between the community and the electricity distribution companies.

If communities are compelled to contribute to the repair of electrical infrastructure, it should be viewed as a philanthropic gesture rather than an obligation. Such contributions should be acknowledged and credited towards future purchases of electricity units, alleviating the financial burden on residents. It is nothing short of theft for communities to expend their resources on repairs without any recognition or compensation from the companies benefiting from their contributions.

The time has come for electricity distribution companies to conduct thorough investigations into these thefts. Who are the individuals behind these crimes? Who is buying the stolen cables? Why are there fewer apprehended thieves relative to volume of stolen cables? It is essential to implement measures that make it difficult for stolen cables to be sold in black market. Customizing cables with unique identifiers could deter theft by ensuring that stolen materials can be traced back to their rightful owners. By implementing stricter security measures, increasing community engagement, and holding employees accountable, electricity distribution companies can help restore trust and reliability in their services.

In conclusion, the theft of electricity cables in Ile-Ife and other Nigerian communities is an urgent issue that cannot be ignored. It is time for electricity distribution companies to take responsibility for their infrastructure and protect the interests of their customers. The community deserves answers, accountability, and a commitment to ensuring that such thefts do not continue to disrupt their lives. Let us work together to put an end to this alarming trend and restore reliable electricity supply to our communities.