By Ike Philip Abiagom
Igbuzo (Ibusa) Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has issued a strong warning to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) over what residents described as persistent power outages and an unfair billing system in the area.
The warning followed the failure of the Regional Head of BEDC, Asaba Zone, to honour an invitation extended by the Obuzor of Ibusa, the Obuzor-in-Council, and the Igbuzo Community Development Union (ICDU) to address the growing electricity crisis in the community.
The Palace of His Royal Majesty, Obi Chelunor Nwoboshi, had summoned the Regional Manager, alongside his Technical and Business Managers, to explain the near collapse of electricity supply in Igbuzo. Community leaders lamented that power supply deteriorated significantly after the community was allegedly downgraded from Band B to Band D on the 11KV line without the consent or approval of the people.
The President-General of Ibusa Community Development Union (ICDU) Worldwide, Chief Onowu Victor Uchunor, executives of the union, youths, and other stakeholders convened a crucial meeting at the Obuzor’s Palace to deliberate on the issue and chart a way forward. However, the absence of the Regional Manager—who reportedly sent junior representatives instead—was described as a serious slight on the traditional institution and the entire Igbuzo community.
At a previous stakeholders’ meeting, the BEDC Regional Manager had assured residents that operational and marketing challenges would be resolved from February 21, 2026. According to community leaders, little or no improvement has been recorded since then, leading to widespread loss of confidence in the system among customers.
Community representatives highlighted several sacrifices made by Igbuzo in support of BEDC’s operations. They noted that the community donated land for a substation within the town, partnered with BEDC for over eight years in driving a community-based prepaid metering scheme, and contributed more than N35 million towards the completion of the 15MVA injector substation in Ibusa.
The substation, they said, was professionally certified, met quality and safety standards, and was energized under BEDC’s supervision. Despite these efforts, residents claim they continue to endure prolonged blackouts and what they described as exploitative estimated billing.
Ibusa, a fast-growing community within the Delta State Capital Territory, hosts key power infrastructure meant to support electricity distribution in the area and its environs. Community leaders also recalled that BEDC had allegedly relocated a step-down transformer from Ogbeowele to Edo State under the pretext of repairs, but it has yet to be returned. Another alleged attempt to move a multi-billion-naira substation at Obodoakpu out of Ibusa was resisted by concerned indigenes and youths.
Chief Uchunor stated that the persistent darkness has contributed to rising insecurity in the commercial nerve centre of Igbuzo, including cases of transformer vandalism, kidnapping, and robbery. He noted that tension is mounting in the town, with community leadership struggling to manage growing public frustration.
The Obuzor-in-Council has therefore mandated the BEDC Regional Manager and his management team to personally attend the next scheduled meeting on March 4, 2026. The palace warned that any attempt to send representatives in place of the Regional Manager would no longer be tolerated.
Community leaders further argued that given Igbuzo’s sacrifices and investments, the town deserves priority consideration in times of power crises, comparable to major industrial concerns within the state. They emphasized that as the host community to critical electricity infrastructure, their rights and interests must not be taken for granted.
The ICDU, youths, and other stakeholders reiterated their call for improved electricity supply, a transparent and fair billing system, and the immediate restoration of Igbuzo from Band D back to Band B without further delay. They stressed that the community would no longer tolerate epileptic power outages and unjust charges across its neighbourhoods.