NEWS
Abia State Govt Raises Alarm Over Power Infrastructure Vandalism, Calls for Community Vigilance
The Abia State Government has raised concerns over the increasing vandalisation of electricity infrastructure across the state, warning that the criminal practice is not only disrupting power supply but also placing additional financial pressure on government.
The government said the destruction and theft of electricity equipment often forces authorities to commit additional resources to replacing damaged or stolen facilities, thereby diverting funds that could otherwise be deployed to other developmental projects and services.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR.
According to the Commissioner, the growing incidents of vandalism pose a serious threat to the government’s efforts to improve electricity supply and strengthen critical infrastructure across the state.
He therefore called on traditional rulers, presidents-general of town unions and security agencies to work together and develop effective strategies for preventing the destruction and theft of electricity facilities within their communities.
Prince Kanu also appealed to residents to see government infrastructure located in their communities as collective assets that require protection, rather than facilities belonging solely to government.
He particularly urged communities to take ownership of electricity projects and other public infrastructure situated in their areas by remaining vigilant and promptly reporting suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The government stressed that protecting electricity infrastructure is essential to sustaining improved power supply and ensuring that resources earmarked for development are not repeatedly diverted to repair or replace vandalised facilities.
The call forms part of the administration’s broader efforts to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure that ongoing investments in electricity and other sectors deliver lasting benef
its to Ndi Abia.