Persistent Power Outages Prompt Peaceful Protest by Warri Residents at BEDC Office
WARRI/Nigeria: In a show of unity and frustration, residents from the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) area, Ijaw Quarters, and the Police Officers’ wives of “A” Division Police Barracks, all situated in Warri South Local Government area of Delta State, staged a peaceful protest today outside the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) office.
The demonstrators conveyed their grievances, attributing the protest to the ongoing erratic power supply that has plagued their communities despite consistent bill payments. The affected residents expressed deep dissatisfaction and discomfort due to the prolonged blackout in their respective areas.
Mrs. Ladi Ishiaku, a resident of the Police Barracks in Newport, lamented that her locality had endured a complete lack of electricity for over four months. Meanwhile, Mrs. Justina Obaragbe from Ijaw Quarters revealed, “We have been in darkness since August 2023 till date,” emphasizing the adverse impact on her business and urging the electricity distribution company to promptly restore power.
Addressing the situation, an anonymous BEDC official expressed concern about the utility’s capacity to meet the demand for electricity, acknowledging the widespread and troubling nature of the power issues. The official linked the challenges to a recent collapse of the national grid but expressed optimism that corrective measures were underway.
This protest follows a similar incident reported by our correspondent last Thursday, where electricity consumers in Uvwie Local Government Area staged a demonstration against the BEDC, highlighting the growing discontent among Delta State residents regarding the persistently unreliable power supply.
