In a unique demonstration in Omu-Aran, Kwara State, masquerades led a peaceful protest of hundreds of youths against the sudden hike in electricity bills due to the community’s reclassification from Band C to Band A. The protest, which started at Bareke roundabout, featured placards demanding a reversal to Band C, accusing IBEDC’s newly posted manager, Mr. A. O. Badmus, of orchestrating the change that spiked monthly bills from around N10,000 to as high as N47,000.
Protesters blocked major roads and stormed key locations, including IBEDC’s local office, while refusing police escort. Their demands included improved power supply, replacement of faulty transformers, a halt to overdraft purchases on pre-paid meters, and an independent review of the billing regime.
The community’s monarch, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, urged calm, assuring that talks were underway with IBEDC. IBEDC officials deferred responsibility to NERC, stating that Band A categorization is due to Omu-Aran’s 20-hour electricity supply.
