By Rosemary Okoduwa
The management of Ossiomo Power Company, located in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has raised the alarm over the alleged vandalization and theft of electricity equipment worth several millions of naira from its facility.
The company, in a statement issued in Benin City, alleged that some Ologbo youths, mainly Itsekiris, invaded its private premises on Wednesday afternoon and vandalized and removed equipment connected to its 33kV electricity lines.
According to the statement, the youths were allegedly led by one Felix Okotie Otemowo, who, alongside others, reportedly trespassed into the company’s premises and vandalized critical electricity infrastructure, including high-tension wires, cables and conductors.
The company said the affected equipment was worth several millions of naira, warning that the alleged destruction and theft could further disrupt its operations and the supply of electricity to consumers dependent on its network.
Ossiomo Power Company further alleged that when Otemowo was accosted by mobile policemen stationed at the power plant, he claimed that he and his associates were acting on the instructions of some highly placed individuals, including Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Chinese firm CCETC, the traditional head of Ologbo community, Chief Emmanuel Iyase and Prince Johnson Aseleghe.
The company, however, stated that the claim linking the named individuals to the alleged incident had not been independently verified.
Ossiomo Power Company also alleged that CCETC, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, Prince Johnson Aseleghe and Felix Okotie Otemowo had previously been restrained by the Federal High Court, Abuja, and the Edo State High Court, Benin City, from entering the company’s premises, describing the alleged incident as a breach of the court orders.
The company further alleged that Otemowo and Aseleghe had on several occasions been invited by the police to answer questions concerning alleged criminal offences but had failed to honour the invitations. It called on Governor Okpebholo and all persons mentioned in connection with the alleged incident to publicly clarify their positions on the matter.
Ossiomo Power Company appealed for the protection of its facilities, urging that it be allowed to reconnect its 33kV lines and resume electricity supply, which it said would enable it continue providing power to millions of people across Edo State.
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