Residents of the Pegi Relocation Community in Kuje, Abuja, took to the streets yesterday in protest against the ongoing power outage in their area.
The protest, which took place outside the offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in Wuse Zone 4, was led by community leader Dr. Ugo Thompson.
The unrest was triggered by the prolonged lack of electricity after AEDC removed a faulty transformer from the area more than three months ago for repairs, but failed to return or replace it.
According to Dr. Thompson, the community has been without power for over three months, and this lack of electricity has further heightened security concerns. The absence of street lighting and other electrical infrastructure has made the area more susceptible to criminal activities, including kidnapping and theft.
“This is not just about light; it’s about our safety. For over three months, we have been living in darkness, and with that darkness, criminal activities have skyrocketed in our community. Kidnappers and criminals are taking advantage of the absence of electricity. Our women and children are at risk, and this situation is unbearable,” Dr. Thompson said during the protest.
The demonstrators, holding placards, expressed frustration over the lack of communication from AEDC regarding the status of the transformer. Many demanded immediate action to restore power to the community.
In response, AEDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Olumide Jerome, expressed surprise at the situation, admitting that he was unaware of the faulty transformer and the community’s ongoing struggles. He assured the protesters that the matter would be urgently addressed.
The protest highlights growing discontent with power supply issues in the area and the need for AEDC to prioritize resolving the problem for the safety and well-being of the community.
