Many communities in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have cried out over the more than one month blackout currently being experienced in their areas.
The affected communities include Ibafo, Magboro, Makogi, Oke-Afa and Aseese, among others.
Businesses in the affected communities have virtually grounded to a halt as a result of the situation.
The problem has been compounded by the high cost of premium motor spirit which sells at over N200 per litre in the area.
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A house owner in Magboro, Mr. Deji Badejo told The Nigerian Xpress that residents in the area are now forced to use candle sticks for light while many stay in total darkness saying that the situation has been like this for over a month now.
He said, “The situation started before the presidential election of February 25 and is still persisting.”
Another resident of Ibafo identified as Baba Awoniyi said the situation has become unbearable even as the weather gets hotter everyday.
He said he has been unable to recharge any of the appliances in his house since the blackout making life more miserable. “It has been difficult sleeping at night because of the heat,” he said.
A business owner at Ibafo, Patrick Ika, lamented the amount he spends on fuel to power his generator to keep his business going. “I sell perishable items and I have to buy fuel at exorbitant prize to fuel my generator. This has increased my cost.,” he said.
“I cannot remember the amount I have spent on petrol since this total blackout started. I always have to rush down to the market early to power the generator so that the frozen food in my refrigerator will not spoil,” he said.
The residents are pained more because no one seems to be ready to speak on the situation at hand.
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“We are suffering here and no one is bothered. People are busy pursing their political ambitions and no one is interested in our case,” a resident lamented.
The management of the Ibadan Electric Distribution Company, IBEDC, in a statement on Monday blamed a technical fault on a 33KVA feeder for the blackout in the communities.
It said work was currently on to restore power to the affected communities.
The statement read, “Dear esteemed customers in Magboro, Makogi, Ago Igbala, Oke-Afa, Ibafo, part of Aseese and environs, we sincerely apologise for the power outage currently being experienced in your community.
“Kindly note that this is a result of a technical fault on the Ibafo 33KVA feeder.”
