Angry Osogbo youths storm IBEDC over epileptic power supply
Protest Erupts in Òṣogbo Over Electricity Supply Issues
Òṣogbo, Nigeria — Dozens of young residents gathered Wednesday morning at the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) to voice their frustrations over ongoing power supply issues in Osun State.
The demonstrators arrived in groups, chanting solidarity songs and displaying placards with various messages. They accused IBEDC of neglecting consumer needs while continuing to issue estimated and prepaid bills despite significant power outages.
One protester, who identified himself as Tunde, expressed the difficulties faced by local residents and businesses due to the frequent disruptions. “We cannot continue to pay for darkness. Our businesses are collapsing and households are frustrated,” he said.
Another participant highlighted the reliance of small-scale enterprises on generators due to inconsistent electricity supply. “Fuel prices are high, and we spend more running generators than we earn daily. We need stable electricity to survive,” she stated.
The protesters called for the company’s management to provide a clear explanation for the persistent outages and to offer a timeline for improvements in service. Security personnel were on site to maintain order while company officials engaged a delegation from the group in discussions.
This demonstration reflects growing concerns among residents regarding electricity distribution in the state, as the public demands accountability and sustainable solutions to the ongoing challenges.
In a prior announcement, IBEDC informed customers of the low power supply affecting the Osun Region. The company attributed the situation to reduced energy allocation, significantly hampering its ability to deliver reliable power to consumers.
“The situation is a direct consequence of reduced energy allocation which has significantly constrained our ability to deliver optimal power supply to customers within the affected areas,” the announcement stated, listing impacted communities including Iwo, Ede Township, Ikirun, and several others.
IBEDC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused by these power supply issues and stated that it is actively engaging with industry stakeholders to enhance energy allocation as conditions, particularly gas availability to generation companies, improve.
