Angry residents of the Pegi Relocation Community in Kuje, Abuja, staged a protest at the offices of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) in Wuse Zone 4 yesterday over prolonged power outage in the area.
The protest, led by community leader, Dr Ugo Thompson, was sparked by a prolonged power outage following the removal of a faulty transformer from their area more than three months ago.
According to Dr Thompson, the AEDC removed the transformer for repairs several months ago but had failed to return or replace it, leaving the community without electricity for an extended period.
The lack of power has compounded the community’s security challenges, as the absence of street lighting and electrical infrastructure has made the area increasingly vulnerable to criminal activities, including kidnapping and other security breaches.
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“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 protesters, who gathered in front of the AEDC office, carried placards demanding immediate action from the company. Many expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in resolving the issue and the apparent lack of communication from AEDC regarding the status of the transformer.
In response to the protest, AEDC’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr Olumide Jerome, expressed surprise over the situation, stating that he was not aware of the faulty transformer and the issues the community was facing.
He assured the protesters that the matter would be given urgent attention.
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