Residents of Idumebo Community, Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State besieged the office of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), Idumebo-Irrua, demanding compensation for the land being occupied by the company.
The group, led by the 92-year-old traditional head of the community, Pa. Godwin Okoobo, gave TCN till the end of June 2021 to pay them compensation or quit the land.
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He said the protest was as a result of TCN’s failure to reply to the several letters sent to them by the affected persons.
Pa. Godwin Okoobo explained that the larger portion of the land, measuring 19 hectares, occupied by the company, which the defunct NEPA allegedly occupied since 1974 without compensation, belonged to late Akhuentie Aigbomian.
He said the other one hectare of land belonged to him and Mr. Felix Eromosele.
According to him, they were approached by the company in 2012 to secure the land for the expansion and installation of new power equipment to boost electricity supply to some areas, but were never compensated.
“We are most surprised that over six months after our last letter dated 9th October, 2020, you have refused to acknowledged receipt of our letters or pay the compensation demanded.
“By ignoring our demand of compensation, you have displayed utter contempt and disregard for rural people who, in your perception, are ignorant, and therefore, do not know their rights.
Responding, TCN Senior Manager in charge of operations, Mr Bassey Bassey, received the protesters on behalf of the TCN substation manager; assured them that the letter would be forwarded to the headquarters for action.
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