Protesters barricade Government House over outrageous estimated billing for unstable power supply
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Protesting youths from Okpanam in Oshimili North Council of Delta on Thursday barricaded the entrance to Delta State Government House in Asaba over what they called intentional power blackout in their community by Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and rising insecurity.
They said the blackout has led to a surge in criminal activities, including kidnappings and violence.
Before arriving at Government House, the youths marched through several major roads in Asaba, chanting protest songs and carrying placards with inscriptions such as: “We say no to BEDC,” “Supply power to Okpanam,” “Enough is enough,” and “Stop the exploitation, BEDC.”
A letter addressed to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and read out by Okpanam Youth Organisation President General Lucky Okolo said the situation is “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 absence of lighting and essential security infrastructure – which depends heavily on stable electricity – has left our streets vulnerable, making it easier for criminals to operate under the cover of darkness.
“This situation reflects a broader national concern, as similar issues have been reported across Nigeria, where power outages have been linked to growing insecurity and worsening economic conditions.
The protesters urged Oborevwori to see it as a threat to public safety, BEDC’s failure to provide reliable electricity.
“The company’s failure to address technical faults, invest in infrastructure, or respond to our community’s complaints indicates a systemic issue that demands intervention at the highest levels of government.”
Oborevwori’s Chief of Staff Johnson Erijo assured the protesters that the Governor is in the final stages of implementing a legislative framework to resolve power supply challenges in across the state.
“We are already aware of these issues, and we are truly sorry that you are facing them. Please know that your Governor is also aware and shares in your pain, as you have just expressed,” Erijo pleaded.
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