From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Residents of 44 communities under the Sobi Poly Feeder in Oke-Fomo, Ilorin West Local Government Area, have taken to the streets in protest against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), over 11-months power outage that has crippled businesses and fueled insecurity.
The peaceful demonstration, held on Tuesday, saw protesters carrying placards with messages such as “We are tired of blackout” and “Power to the people, not just a promise,” as they voiced their frustration over the prolonged electricity crisis that began in February 2024.
Community leader, Engr. Abdulkareem Jimoh, described the situation as unbearable, stating that while other areas in Kwara State enjoy electricity, their communities have been left in total darkness.
“Our economic activities have collapsed. Business owners who rely on electricity have shut down, while others are struggling to afford fuel for generators. Even access to water has become a challenge because boreholes no longer function,” he lamented.
He blamed the crisis on IBEDC’s decision to replace a 100MVA transformer with a lower-capacity 45MVA transformer, which he said could not meet the energy demand of the affected communities.
He urged the power company to restore a higher-capacity transformer to alleviate the suffering of residents.
Beyond economic difficulties, the residents say insecurity has worsened due to the blackout. Representative of Alawo Community, Comrade Ismail Alada, noted that criminals have taken advantage of the darkness, leading to an increase in theft, burglary, and kidnappings.
“Our people no longer sleep peacefully. Criminals are terrorizing us under the cover of darkness. Some residents have even been kidnapped. The government must intervene before the situation gets out of control,” he warned.
Chairman of the Joint Sobi Poly Feeder Communities, Abdulrasheed Ishaq, appealed to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, to intervene, stressing that the blackout is worsening poverty in the area.
“No matter how much we invest in solar power, it cannot replace stable electricity. IBEDC must act now before frustration boils over,” Ishaq cautioned.
The affected communities—including Ajibesin, Alawo, Olayeri, Agbojulogun, Idi-Isin, Orisunbare Okolowo, Iyemoja, Ifesowapo, and Oke-Fomo—are demanding immediate restoration of power, installation of prepaid meters, and replacement of outdated infrastructure to ensure a reliable electricity supply.
