By Emma Ogoigbe, Warri
Scores of electricity consumers in Effurun, Uvwie Local Government Area (LGA)of Delta State have protested the alarming rate of extortion being perpetrated in the area by staff members of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),which serves the area.
During the protest, the embittered consumers condemned the increasing rate in which the staff extort them, especially consumers at Ugbolokposo, part of Uti, Okoribi, Alegbo and neighbouring communities.
“Most cases, the staff in the area come with fake uniformed officers and youths to force us to give them. This is embarrassing and we condemn this outrageous attitude being extended to us,” the aggrieved customers said.
“We strongly believe that the authorities of BEDC are not aware of this evil act. We are law abiding citizens here at Ugbolokpso, Alegbo and Okoribi. The earlier BEDC intervenes, the better, to stop these hoodlums from their evil acts,” they added.
When newsmen contacted BEDC office to seek their reaction, an official on ground referred journalists to the firm’s head office in Benin City, the Edo State capital.
“We cannot speak with the press because we are not authorized to do so,” said one of the staff who did not want his name in print.
