Jibrin Hussaini Kundum, Bauchi
Residents of eight communities in Bauchi State have appealed for urgent government and institutional intervention over a prolonged electricity outage that has lasted for more than six months, describing the situation as a serious humanitarian and economic crisis that has crippled livelihoods, disrupted essential services and increased insecurity in the affected areas.
The appeal was made during a press conference led by the Chairman of the Fadamar Mada Coalition of Concerned Citizens, Alhaji Dan lami Baban Takko, who spoke on behalf of the affected communities.
Addressing journalists, Alhaji Danlami Baban Takko said the press conference was convened to peacefully draw the attention of relevant authorities to the suffering of residents and to seek urgent intervention, rather than to apportion blame or incite tension.
The coalition says businesses have collapsed, insecurity is worsening and residents can no longer cope, calls on JED and government to restore electricity without delay.
He listed the affected communities as Fadamar Mada Bayan GG, Fadamar Mada Bayan Tsohon Makabarta, Tudun Salmanu, Tirwun, Gida Dubu, Magaji Quarters, Madina Quarters, Awala Quarters and Dubai Quarters, all of which have endured months of continuous darkness despite repeated appeals.
He disclosed that community leaders had earlier held a stakeholders’ meeting to assess the worsening power situation, after which they unanimously established a nine-member committee to engage the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) and other relevant stakeholders until a lasting solution is achieved.
He said the press conference marked the committee’s first official public engagement.
The coalition attributed the prolonged blackout mainly to a faulty Barrack Feeder Circuit Breaker, while also citing damaged transformers, inadequate electricity distribution linked to power sharing between the military barracks and surrounding communities, estimated billing despite the absence of supply, delayed maintenance response, poor handling of complaints and insufficient operational vehicles and equipment for technical staff.
According to the coalition, the consequences of the prolonged outage have been severe. Small and medium-scale businesses dependent on electricity—including welding workshops, tailoring shops, barbing salons, cold room operators, Point-of-Sale (POS) operators, phone charging centres and other micro-enterprises—have suffered heavy financial losses, forcing many families into economic hardship.
The committee further noted that the blackout has significantly affected education and healthcare delivery.
Students are unable to study at night, while hospitals, clinics and pharmacies are spending large sums on fuel to power generators, increasing operational costs and limiting service delivery to residents.
Some affected residents who spoke at the briefing described the situation as unbearable. A welder said his business had almost collapsed due to the inability to operate equipment consistently, while a POS operator lamented that the high cost of fuelling generators had drastically reduced daily income.
A tailor also said delayed delivery of customers’ orders had damaged business relationships and reduced patronage.
Parents expressed concern over the impact on education, saying children can no longer study comfortably in the evenings.
Residents also criticised the continued issuance of estimated electricity bills despite months without power supply, describing it as unfair and insensitive under the prevailing conditions.
The coalition called on the management of JED to urgently repair or replace the faulty Barrack Feeder Circuit Breaker, rehabilitate all damaged transformers, improve its customer complaint response system, suspend estimated billing for customers without electricity supply, and provide adequate technical personnel, operational vehicles and maintenance equipment to ensure faster response to faults.
It also appealed to the Bauchi State Government, members of the National Assembly, and the Bauchi State House of Assembly representing the affected constituencies to urgently intervene and facilitate the restoration of electricity.
The coalition further urged security agencies to strengthen protection of electricity installations against vandalism, while commending traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders for their continued support and prayers.