The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has suspended some of its staff members allegedly implicated in the vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Ikirun, Osun State, pending the outcome of an ongoing investigation.

The company also welcomed the arrest of some individuals by the Osun State Police Command in connection with the alleged vandalism.

The Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, IBEDC, Angela Olanrewaju, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan.

Olanrewaju said the affected staff members had been suspended to allow for an unhindered investigation into the incident.

“Staff members implicated in the matter have been suspended pending the outcome of the investigation,” she said.

She said the company was fully cooperating with the Nigeria Police Force in the investigation, stressing that IBEDC supported efforts to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial process.

“The company is fully cooperating with the Nigeria Police Force in the ongoing investigation and supports efforts to ensure a thorough, transparent and impartial process,” Olanrewaju said.

She added that IBEDC would take appropriate internal disciplinary measures in accordance with its policies and applicable laws if the allegations against the staff members were established.

“IBEDC will take appropriate internal disciplinary action in line with its policies and applicable laws. We maintain a zero-tolerance policy toward vandalism, theft of electricity infrastructure and all forms of unethical or criminal conduct,” she said.

Olanrewaju said vandalism of electricity infrastructure had become an increasing concern, with serious consequences for electricity supply, customers, communities and the company.

She said the company had consistently raised concerns about the damage caused to critical electricity assets, which often resulted in prolonged outages, service disruptions and avoidable inconvenience to customers.

“IBEDC has consistently raised concerns about the increasing incidence of vandalism and the damage it causes to critical electricity assets, resulting in prolonged outages, service disruptions and avoidable inconvenience to customers,” she said.

The IBEDC spokesperson reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to ensure that anyone found culpable was made to face the full weight of the law.

She also urged customers, community leaders and members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities around electricity infrastructure through appropriate channels.

“The company remains committed to transparency, accountability and the protection of critical electricity infrastructure across its franchise area,” Olanrewaju said.