Hundred of traders and residents in Agbarho Kingdom, Ughelli North Local Government Area recently staged a peaceful protest against epileptic power supply.
As early as 7:00 am in the morning, residents and traders in Agbarho Community staged a peaceful protest around the major streets of the community and the busy East-West Road by Agbarho Junction barricading part of the road and causing heavy traffic gridlock.
The placard and leaves carrying protesters danced to the office of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, Agbarho.
Some traders among the protesters, told The Trumpet that, they shut their shops to participate in the protest because they were tired of the epileptic power supply in the area.
They noted that, despite paying exorbitant electricity bill, they have to grapple with epileptic power supply which has crippled economic activities in the community.
The President General of Agbarho Urhobo Improvement Union, AUIU, Chief Monday Igho-Odiphri said the community has repeatedly written to BEDC Agbarho to lodge their complaint of incessant power outage but the authorities have remained indifferent despite of the exorbitant bills paid by residents.
He noted that, the protest is a demonstration that the people are fed up with the poor power supply and appealed to the management of BEDC to improve in their services to the community.
When The Trumpet contacted Mr. David Ehigiamusoe, the branch manager of BEDC, Obiaruku, who is in charge of the Agbarho area, he commended the protesters for their peaceful conduct and promised to look into their grievances.
He disclosed that a round table discussion with be held with the leadership of the community as soon as possible.
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