The management of Ossiomo Power Company in Ologbo, Ikpoba-Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, has raised the alarm over the persistent vandalization and stealing of its power equipment worth several millions of naira.
The management of Ossiomo Power Company in a statement in Benin City, disclosed that several Ologbo youths, mainly Itsekiris, on Wednesday afternoon perpetrated the criminal acts.
The youth allegedly led by one Felix Okotie Otemowo, illegally trespassed into the private premises of Ossiomo Power Company and committed the criminal acts of vandalization and stealing of equipment from its 33kv electricity lines.
According to the statement, the electricity equipment either vandalized or stolen included expensive high tension wires, cables and conductors worth several millions of naira.
Leader of the gang, Felix Okotie Otumowo when accosted by the mobile policemen on guard duty at the power plant allegedly claimed that he and his cohorts were acting on the behest of some highly placed individuals including the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, a Chinese firm CCETC, the traditional head of Ologbo community, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, and Prince Johnson Aseleghe.
This claim has not been independently verified.
Ossiomo Power Company further disclosed that CCETC, Chief Emmanuel Iyase, Prince Johnson Aseleghe and Felix Okotie Otemowo, had earlier been restraint by the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Edo State High Court, Benin City from entering the premises of the Ossiomo Power Company.
”The criminal behaviours of the aforementioned are clear breaches of the orders of both the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Edo State High Court, Benin City”, the statement said.
”It’s on record that the duo of Messrs Felix Okotie Otemowo and Prince Johnson Aseleghe, have on several occasions been invited by the police to answer for a number of criminal charges but they have refused to honour the police invitations”, the statement added.
Ossiomo Power Company, therefore called on the state governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo and all those mentioned by Felix Okotie Otemowo, as to have hands in the destruction, vandalization and stealing of the company’s property and equipment, to clearly declare their positions.
”Ossiomo Power Company should be left alone to reconnect its 33kV lines to enable it resume the supply of electricity to millions of people in Edo State”, the power company posited.
Edo: Ossiomo Power Laments Vandalism, Theft of Equipment Worth Millions in Ologbo
