BAYELSANS URGED TO PROTECT PUBLIC POWER FACILITIES, REPORT VANDALISM

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Public Utilities, Engr. Kharin Akari Komuko, has called on residents to safeguard government power infrastructure and promptly report any acts of vandalism to law enforcement agencies.

Engr. Komuko made the appeal during an on-the-spot assessment of the vandalized solar-powered street lights along the Ox-Bow Lake–Agbura Road in Yenagoa.

He expressed concern over the increasing activities of vandals targeting public power facilities installed along the newly commissioned road, including solar street lights and underground power cables.

According to the Commissioner, several solar panels had been removed and stolen, while sections of the underground power cables were excavated and carted away by the perpetrators.

Engr. Komuko warned those involved in the criminal acts to desist immediately, stressing that the government would not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone found loitering around or tampering with public infrastructure. He emphasized that unauthorized persons should stay away from government power installations and other public utility facilities.

He further disclosed that relevant government agencies, including the Bayelsa State Government Task Force on Anti-Theft and Vandalism of Power Installations, have intensified efforts to prevent further acts of vandalism, recover stolen equipment, identify and prosecute those involved in the theft, purchase, or handling of vandalized government property, as well as their accomplices.

The Commissioner urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities around government facilities or any act of vandalism to security agencies for swift intervention. He noted that protecting public infrastructure is a collective responsibility essential for sustaining reliable public services and safeguarding government investments.