Civil society groups, traditional authorities, and elected officials in Kambia District have strongly condemned the repeated theft and vandalization of newly installed electricity power station transformers, warning that the ongoing acts of sabotage are undermining development, security, and public welfare across the district.

In a press release issued on 14 December 2025, the Kambia District Civil Society Movement (KDCSM) described the destruction of the transformers as criminal, anti-developmental, and a direct attack on public welfare.

The press statement revealed that on 13 December, two more transformers were discovered damaged by the Electricity Distribution and Supply Authority (EDSA) and local authorities, adding to nearly five others that have been vandalized in recent months.

The repeated vandalism has caused significant disruptions to electricity supply, affecting households, businesses, health facilities, and schools, and plunging several communities back into darkness.

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KDCSM emphasized that the district had endured nearly 40 years without electricity, with the recent restoration of power following substantial government investments through the Ministry of Energy and EDSA. These investments aimed to improve living standards and spur local development.

“These are expensive public assets meant to serve the people,” the statement read. “Their destruction undermines government efforts to improve public welfare, has caused economic hardship, and threatens security in the district.”

The Hon. Paramount Chief of Magbema Chiefdom, Bai Farama Tass Bubu N’gbak IV, also expressed grave concern over the incidents during a radio broadcast on Radio Kolenten. He called on the Sierra Leone Police to intensify investigations and restore security checkpoints around the affected areas.

He urged local communities to remain vigilant and support law enforcement in identifying and apprehending those responsible for the vandalism.

Hon. Adama Bangura Mahmood, Member of Parliament for the district, condemned the vandalism as an attack on both peace and governance, warning that any individual involved in destruction or incitement would face arrest and prosecution. He urged youth in the district to play an active role in safeguarding public property and maintaining the peace.

In response to the growing security concerns, the KDCSM has issued a security alert and called for community-led initiatives such as neighborhood watches and increased surveillance. The organization emphasized the importance of reporting suspicious activities to local authorities in a timely manner to ensure public safety.

Community leaders, professionals, and local residents who participated in discussions on the matter echoed similar concerns. They highlighted that electricity is essential for modern life and economic progress, and stressed the need for collective responsibility to protect public infrastructure.

Participants also noted that access to reliable power is crucial for sectors such as healthcare, education, and business development.