Youths from Okpanam, in the Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Thursday blocked the entrance to the Delta State Government House in Asaba, in protest against lingering power outage in their area.
Imputing the blackout in the community to deliberate action by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, the protesters said it is fueling insecurity in Okpanam.
Chanting protest songs and bearing placards with various inscriptions: “We say no to BEDC,” “Supply power to Okpanam,” “Enough is enough,” and “Stop the exploitation, BEDC,” the procession moved from streets to streets and terminated at the Government House where their letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and read by the President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization, Mr Lucky Okolo, was received by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Johnson Erijo.
“For several years, Okpanam has been plunged into darkness, with no consistent or reliable power supply despite repeated complaints and appeals to BEDC.
“The company’s failure to restore electricity, coupled with its insistence on exorbitant estimated billing, demonstrates a blatant disregard for the welfare of our residents.
“The lack of electricity has had devastating effects on our community. Small and medium enterprises, as well as households, are struggling to function, leading to economic stagnation and job losses,” the letter reads in part.
