Youths Disrupt Ossiomo Power Restoration in Edo State

In Ologbo community, Ikpoba-Okha local government area of Edo State, a group of youths held journalists and members of civil society groups hostage for nearly one hour, disrupting Ossiomo Power Company's efforts to restore electricity supply to Benin City and surrounding areas. The incident occurred as the visitors were leaving the Ossiomo gas plant, where the company planned to activate its Independent Power Plant (IPP) II unit after about 10 months of disrupted operations.

The group, including members of the Talakawa’s Parliament led by Kola Edokpayi, had visited to support the company's operations. However, as they began to leave, the youths blocked the exit and demanded to know why the group entered without their authorization.

Tensions escalated, leading to threats against the visitors, with security personnel intervening to prevent further confrontation. Allegations of harassment were made against a journalist, an Ossiomo driver, and a staff member of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

Ossiomo Power Company has faced operational challenges due to vandalism and disputes, impacting thousands of customers.