Residents of Gaa-Saka to Madi axis and adjoining communities in Oko-Olowo, Ilorin, have protested prolonged power outage, accusing the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) of negligence and unfair billing.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of Project and Electrification, Alhaji Solihu Owonifari, and made available to newsmen in Ilorin on Tuesday, the affected residents under the 33KVA Sobi-Poly Feeder lamented that they have been in total darkness for months, yet continue to receive what they described as “outrageous and unjustifiable bills.”
“We have endured enough of this daylight exploitation. No Light, No Pay!” the statement read, as residents vowed to stop paying for electricity not supplied.
The communities accused the IBEDC Ilorin Marketing Unit of neglect and failure to fix what they termed “artificial problems” responsible for the continuous blackout.
Business owners and households said they have spent heavily on generators and solar alternatives while still being forced to pay monthly bills.
“This situation is crippling small businesses, disrupting students’ studies, and putting families under economic pressure,” a resident complained.
Quoting the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005, the protesters maintained that consumers have the legal right to fair billing and efficient service delivery, warning that forcing payment for services not rendered is illegal.
They called on the IBEDC management, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Kwara State Government to urgently intervene, fix the faults, and restore power to the area.
“Until power is restored, our stand remains clear; No Light, No Pay!” the residents declared.