Residents of Gaa-Saka to Madi axis and adjoining communities in the Oko-Olowo area of Ilorin have taken a stand against the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) over prolonged power outages and alleged unfair billing practices.

In a statement signed by the Chairman of Project and Electrification, Alhaji Solihu Owonifari, and made available to LAGOS EYE NEWS in Ilorin on Tuesday, the affected residents under the 33KVA Sobi-Poly Feeder decried being left in total darkness for months while still receiving what they described as “outrageous and unjustifiable bills.”

“We have endured enough of this daylight exploitation. No Light, No Pay!” the statement read, as residents vowed to stop paying for electricity not supplied.

The communities accused the IBEDC Ilorin Marketing Unit of negligence and failure to address what they termed “artificial problems” causing the continuous blackout.

According to them, the situation has forced business owners and households to rely heavily on generators and solar power while still being billed monthly.

“This situation is crippling small businesses, disrupting students’ studies, and putting families under economic pressure,” one resident lamented.

Citing the Electric Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) of 2005, the protesters emphasized that consumers have a legal right to fair billing and efficient service delivery, stressing that demanding payment for services not rendered violates the law.

They called on IBEDC management, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Kwara State Government to urgently intervene, fix the faults, and restore power supply to the affected areas.

“Until power is restored, our stand remains clear: No Light, No Pay!” the residents declared.