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, protesting what they described as an intentional power blackout imposed on the community by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company and rising insecurity.
The protesters lamented that the prolonged blackout had created an environment conducive to a surge in crime and other criminal activities, including kidnappings and violence.
Before arriving at the Government House, the protesting youths had marched through several major roads in the state capital, chanting protest songs and carrying placards with various inscriptions, including: “We say no to BEDC,” “Supply power to Okpanam,” “Enough is enough,” and “Stop the exploitation, BEDC.”
In a letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and read by the President-General of the Okpanam Youth Organization, Mr Lucky Okolo, the protesters stated that the situation was “exacerbated by the company’s continued imposition of heavy estimated electricity bills, which do not reflect actual consumption and place an undue financial burden on our people.”
“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 read. So This Happened (EP296) Reviews 54-Year-Old Farmer who Died After Panic Triggered in Benue0:00 / 0:00
“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 read.