BEDC Under Fire as Prolonged Blackout Plunges Asaba into Darkness

The Public Relations Officer of the Asaba office of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) on Monday failed to provide explanations for the prolonged and irregular electricity supply affecting Asaba and surrounding communities since the beginning of 2026.

The blackout has impacted major towns including Ogwashi-Uku and Ibusa, throwing the Delta State capital territory and its environs into near-total darkness for weeks.

Student journalists on industrial training with the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), dispatched to the BEDC office for clarification, were met with evasive responses. The PRO declined to address inquiries, stating that the appropriate official was unavailable and that the Asaba office might not be the right channel to explain the power situation.

She advised that questions be directed to BEDC’s headquarters in Benin.

Residents say the prolonged outage has severely disrupted daily life. Water shortages have worsened as electric pumps remain idle, while small and medium-scale businesses, including barbershops, tailoring outfits, business centres and panel-beating workshops have either shut down or scaled back operations.

Many households also reported food spoilage due to non-functional freezers, while intense heat has compounded hardship for families unable to power fans or cooling systems. Though some rely on generators, rising fuel costs have made sustained use difficult.

Despite mounting frustration, BEDC has yet to issue a public explanation on when electricity supply will be restored.