Protesters Tuesday barricaded major roads leading to the twin commercial nerve centres of Effurrun and Warri in Delta State over alleged failure of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, BEDC, to provide them with electricity supply.
The peaceful protesters, who thronged the roads in their numbers, from Ugboroke Community in Uvwie Local Government Area carried placards with various inscriptions and chanted solidarity songs as they barricaded the popular Airport road as well as Warri Sapele road.
The protest caused serious vehicular traffic along the roads as persons going to work were forced to trek long distances.
The protesters said that the lack of power supply has hindered economic activities in the community hence the need for them to embark on the peaceful protest adding that they cannot continue to stay in darkness especially when they pay their light bills.
Youth President of Ugboroke, Comrade Rufus Kikiru and the Councillor representing ward 16 Hon. Mayar Omafume lamented that the power situation was forcing many petty traders and other business owners in the area out of business as they could not afford the high cost of fuel to power their generators.
They demanded that BEDC should immediately investigate the situation and restore light to the area.
Business Manager, BEDC Warri, Engr Onuocha Ikechukwu commended the Ugboroke Community for their peaceful conduct explaining that the power problem was a national challenge which prompted massive maintenance.
Business Manager, BEDC Warri however promised to embark on immediate repairs on transformers and feeders at the Ugboroke axis promising to supply a minimum of 4 hours of power supply during the night.
