…Consumers fear prolonged power outage
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Residents of Ungwan Boro New Extension and its environs in Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, have been thrown into darkness following the vandalization of the major transformer supplying electricity to the area.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, saw vandals cart away several armored cables from the Ungwan Boro 4 transformer located around ECWA Hausa Church. Eyewitnesses said the act was likely carried out by individuals familiar with power installations and the community’s electricity supply schedule.
When contacted for clarification, the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO) had yet to respond as of the time of filing this report. However, our correspondent confirmed notifying the company about the development, sharing visuals of some of the vandalized cables abandoned at the scene.
“Ungwan Boro 4 transformer was heavily vandalized last night. All the armored cables were completely cut and taken away by vandals, leaving only a few hanging,” a resident lamented.
Community members who gathered at the site on Wednesday morning expressed fears of a prolonged power outage and appealed for KAEDCO’s immediate intervention.
“Some of the remaining in-comer and armored cables were later removed by the community coordinator and electricity staff for safekeeping to prevent further theft,” another source explained.
Residents also reported that the vandals might return, as similar incidents have occurred in nearby communities.
There were also unconfirmed reports of other transformers in the area being vandalized recently.
It would be recalled that over 300 disengaged KAEDCO staff recently protested what they described as unjust termination of employment and non-payment of benefits, raising concerns about security lapses and poor response to community power challenges.
