The residents of Kogberegbe Community in New Garage, Ojota, Lagos, are grappling with a dire electricity crisis, raising concerns about unequal access to basic infrastructure and an alleged disdain for the plight of the residents by Ikeja Electric.
Since the beginning of the week, the community has either been plunged into darkness with no hope of power restoration in sight, fluctuating or eclamptic electricity supply.
The situation has left residents frustrated as they contend with the consequences of the prolonged outage.
Ogunleke Adams, living in the community, attempted to address the issue by reaching out to the marketer responsible for the area.
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However, the response received was nothing short of shocking. In a troubling display of disregard, the yet-to-be-identified marketer dismissed the customer’s concerns over the phone, saying, “Don’t disturb me; text me; I’m busy with something else.”
Residents that Parallel Facts spoke to expressed their deep frustration and a growing belief that their community has long been neglected.
Many attribute this perceived neglect to the presence of a significant Hausa and Fulani population in the area.
They feel that this demographic factor has resulted in unequal treatment when it comes to the provision of essential services such as electricity.
“I believe the irregular power supply in our neighborhood may be attributed to the presence of both Fulani and Hausa communities. This situation stands in stark contrast to the nearby area of Olatunji, Kujore in Ojota, which is just a short distance from Kogberegbe. Olatunji enjoys nearly uninterrupted power for almost 24 hours every day. It’s puzzling why our community, situated so close to them, experiences such a stark disparity in our power supply schedule,” an anonymous resident expresses frustration over this discrepancy.
Also, local community leaders and activists have condemned this discrimination, demanding equitable access to basic amenities for all residents, regardless of their ethnicity or background. They call on Ikeja Electric to address the power supply issues promptly and treat Kogbergbe Community with the same respect and consideration given to other neighborhoods in the vicinity.
The situation in Kogbergbe Community highlights a broader issue of unequal access to essential services that certain marginalized communities face.
Residents hope that bringing attention to their struggle will lead to meaningful change and improved living conditions.
Ikeja Electric has yet to respond to the allegations of discrimination and the ongoing power supply crisis in Kogbergbe Community, but the pressure from both the affected residents and the wider public is mounting as the situation remains unresolved.