Ibadan Electrical Distribution Comapny (IBEDC) must not shift its responsibility to the people of Ijagun Road
For more than two weeks, residents of the Ijagun Road community in Ijebu Ode have lived in total darkness. A vandalized 150mm x 4-core electricity cable has thrown the entire community into a blackout that has disrupted daily life, crippled small businesses, endangered local security, and left thousands without access to water.
Yet, in the middle of this suffering, another troubling development has emerged.
Residents report that officials of IBEDC’s Ijebu Ode Business Unit are insisting that the community must buy the vandalized cable themselves before power can be restored. For a low-income neighbourhood already battling hardship, such a demand is not only insensitive — it is unacceptable.
Electricity distribution companies across Nigeria have a clear responsibility: to supply power, maintain infrastructure, and respond swiftly when faults occur. These responsibilities are not optional. They cannot be outsourced. And they certainly cannot be transferred to already struggling communities.
If a poor community must now buy its own transformer, cables, poles, and other major infrastructure before power is restored, then we must ask: what exactly is the role of the distribution company?
A Community on the Brink
Ijagun Road is home to over 100 houses and an estimated population of about 20,000 people. With electricity gone, water pumping machines have stopped working, resulting in severe water scarcity. Families now queue for hours daily just to fetch enough water to cook, bathe, or clean.
Small businesses — welders, barbers, frozen foods sellers, cold room operators, salons, shops, and artisans — are grounded. Income has collapsed. Daily survival has become a struggle.
As night falls, streets are thrown into pitch darkness, increasing fears of robbery and insecurity. Hygiene is deteriorating rapidly, raising the spectre of possible disease outbreaks if the situation persists.
This is a public health crisis, an economic crisis, and a humanitarian crisis rolled into one.
IBEDC Must Act Responsibly
While vandalism of electrical infrastructure is a serious national problem, the solution cannot be to burden innocent residents with the cost of repairs. Communities already pay tariffs, reconnection fees, meter fees, service charges, and monthly bills — often for erratic supply. Adding capital replacement costs to their burden crosses a line.
We recognize that IBEDC may face operational challenges. However, the obligation to repair its own infrastructure cannot be negotiable. Passing this burden to the poor is not only unfair — it sets a dangerous precedent.
Government and Regulatory Agencies Must Step In
We call on:
- NERC (Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission)
- Ogun State Government
- The IBEDC Headquarters in Ibadan
- Community Development Agencies and Human Rights Groups
…to urgently intervene and ensure that the people of Ijagun Road are not exploited or abandoned in their moment of need.
Vandalism must be investigated. Perpetrators must be prosecuted. But the community should not be made to suffer endlessly or pay for equipment they did not destroy.
A Call for Justice, Not Charity
This is not about asking for favours. It is not about seeking pity.
It is about demanding the fundamental right to fair treatment and responsible service delivery.
The people of Ijagun Road are Nigerians. They are citizens. They pay their bills. They deserve light, dignity, and respect.
We urge IBEDC to immediately take responsibility, replace the damaged cable, and restore power without placing additional financial burden on the community.
Ogun Today stands firmly with the people of Ijagun Road.
Enough is enough. Restore their power now.
