The residents of Otukpa junction in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State are facing a significant issue of a prolonged blackout, lasting for three years. This blackout is a result of the vandalization of an electricity transformer located in Obu Branch Otukpa. The transformer’s armoured cable was stolen by vandals in the year Twenty-Twenty, rendering it inoperative.
Despite the fact that the vandals responsible for the theft were apprehended and taken to the State Police Command in Makurdi, the stolen cable was not recovered. This unfortunate situation has had serious consequences for the residents of the area. James Ojile, a resident of the affected area, shared his perspective with newsmen. He highlighted that the lack of electricity for the past three years has led to the closure of numerous businesses, which has subsequently placed financial strain on more than four hundred households.
Chief Sunday Okewu, another resident of the area, emphasized that since the incident occurred three years ago, attempts to draw the attention of the government to the issue have been unsuccessful. The community’s efforts to replace the stolen cable, which is estimated to cost over two million naira, have also faced obstacles, including economic challenges.
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In light of these difficulties, Okewu made an appeal to various stakeholders, including the government, political representatives of the zone C Senatorial District, and public-spirited individuals, to intervene and assist the community in resolving this pressing issue of prolonged blackout. The restoration of electricity is crucial not only for the residents’ daily lives but also for the revival of businesses and the overall economic well-being of the affected area.
