Hundreds of young protesters grounded economic activities in Bida to protest “obnoxious and deliberate act by the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) to strangulate power supply to the city and environs.”

The protesters barricaded all entry points and major intersections within the city, thereby stalling movements – and issued a three-week ultimatum for the electricity company to restore power and stop billing by estimates.

Responding, AEDC Head Public Relations and Media, Ahmed Shekarau said the demand for 24 hours of electricity supply is impossible in any part of Nigeria at the moment.

“We currently give them supply for 12 hours, which is very good considering the energy allocation to our company,” he said.

The protesters who were in all-back attire signifying darkness bore placards with inscription such as “No light, no bill”, “AEDC bring back our light”, “we are tired of blackout”, “Give us pre-paid meters”, among others. Some of them were also bearing local lantern and torch-lights.

Vehicles caught in the crisis could not get out of the city for about five hours the protest lasted, while protesters marched to the Bida office of AEDC and the Wadata Palace of the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar to present their complaints. (Daily Trust)

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