Over 80 transformers vandalised and looted within 10 days ? Jos DisCo

The Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) management has reported extensive damage to its infrastructure following a recent power outage across the northern region. Over 80 transformers within JED’s franchise areas were vandalized and looted, alongside significant theft of cables critical to power supply. Plateau State was reported as the hardest hit by these thefts and acts of vandalism, which disrupted power restoration efforts for affected communities.

Speaking to Daily Trust on Friday, November 8, Eng. Hamisu Wakili Jigawa, JED’s Chief Technical Officer, highlighted the extent of the damage and its impact on the company’s operations. “The vandalism of transformers and theft of cables created serious challenges for us. Entire lines were stripped, and aluminum conductors feeding entire communities were completely looted,” he said. Jigawa noted that around 213 kilovolt circuits were affected, leaving some communities without power for several days before the final circuit was restored just yesterday.

He explained that in many cases, vandals not only took cables but also dismantled transformers, removing essential components such as oil and coils, leaving only empty shells behind. The losses included a substantial number of distribution assets, which will require time and resources to replace.

Jigawa called on local communities to increase vigilance and security measures to protect electrical assets. He stressed that continued vandalism would leave communities in prolonged darkness and hinder the company’s ability to maintain consistent power supply.