Benue: Owukpa community laments 11 years of total darkness

Owukpa, a major district in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State, has been without electricity for over a decade, leaving the agrarian community of more than 100,000 residents in darkness.

The blackout, which has persisted since 2015, has forced business owners and residents to rely on private generators or handmade lighting devices called ‘Amunyenye’ for those who cannot afford generators.

Electricity first reached Owukpa more than 30 years ago, but supply eventually stopped in Ukwo, the economic hub of the community. Efforts by notable sons of the community, including the late Comrade Boniface Ugwu Apeh and Chief Boniface Apochi, Esq., extended power to Udaburu via Ekere in 2011/2012.

However, the collapse of poles and a transformer threw the community into total darkness two years later. During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Senator Abba Moro donated a 500kVA transformer to Owukpa, which was installed through his aides.

Some fallen poles were also replaced, raising hope that electricity would finally return. 

Problems, however, persisted. The Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) insisted that nothing was wrong with the transformer and requested that the community provide a formal letter from the Owukpa Traditional Area Council pledging to pay electricity bills regularly.

Previous attempts to satisfy this requirement, including letters sent via community representatives, were rejected by JEDC.

Tragically, efforts to restore electricity have also led to fatalities. A contract staff member of JEDC was electrocuted while attempting to repair power lines around Ekere after a brief restoration.

Several politicians had attempted to restore power in Owukpa over the years. Before his ouster from the National Assembly, former lawmaker Francis Ottah Agbo initiated renovation works, but his efforts fell short after he failed to secure a second-term ticket. Similarly, former Ogbadibo Local Government chairman and current senatorial aspirant Samuel Onuh made attempts to restore electricity, but these too were unsuccessful.

A recent visit to Owukpa revealed the extent of neglect and vandalism in the community’s electricity infrastructure.
The transformer in Otaigwu has been completely overrun by tall grasses, giving the impression that it has been abandoned for years.
In Itabono, the situation is even worse, with key equipment having been vandalized and wires stolen, rendering the system completely inoperable.
Many of the power poles across the community have fallen, while others are dangerously leaning, posing safety risks to residents.
Local observers say the damage has made it nearly impossible to restore electricity without a complete overhaul of the existing infrastructure.

Some Owukpa leaders, including Chief Anthony Ocheme, the late Chief Emmanuel Apochi, Chief Oji Oko and others receiving the transformer donated by Sen. Moro in 2020.

Residents lament that while promises of repair and installation have been made repeatedly, the combination of vandalism, theft, and years of neglect has left the community still in darkness.
Speaking with our correspondent, many residents of the community are now saying that they are now taking a firmer stance ahead of the 2027 general elections.   

“We will only support any aspirant who comes and fixes the light before the election,” said Onoja, a community leader. “If nothing is done, the people of Owukpa will boycott the elections. Enough is enough after 11 years in darkness.”

“Students cannot study at night, businesses cannot operate, and hospitals struggle to keep equipment running. We have waited long enough for the government to act,” said Mrs. Ijeoma, a trader in Owukpa.

“The transformers are either overgrown with weeds or have been vandalized. It is shameful that we are still living in darkness while leaders make promises that go unfulfilled,” said Mr. Dave Ugwu, a farmer.

Community members are calling on both the state government and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) to urgently address the decade-long blackout, emphasizing that access to electricity is critical for education, healthcare, and economic development.

“Our patience has run out. Whoever is serious about serving this community must deliver power before asking for our votes in 2027,” added Chief Adoyi.

Owukpa, a community rich in coal deposits, has ironically remained in total darkness, with little hope in sight.
For residents already grappling with poor roads and limited infrastructure, the lack of electricity compounds their daily struggles, creating a double hardship that continues to stifle development, education, and economic opportunity.
The people of Owukpa remain resilient, yet they await the day when light will finally return to their homes and streets, bringing with it the promise of progress and dignity long denied.