Residents of Rafin Zurfi and Gwallameji in Bauchi metropolis have decried a two-month-long power outage that has paralyzed businesses, disrupted daily life, and left many struggling to cope with the harsh heat.
The prolonged blackout has been particularly challenging for students at the Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, who are preparing for their examinations without electricity.
Malam Hussaini Hassan, a grinding machine operator, described his ordeal, saying, “I rely on my machine for survival. Without electricity, I have no source of income.”
Similarly, Madam Hannatu, another affected resident, shared her frustration. “I had to take my maize outside the community for grinding after waiting for weeks without power,” she told Daily Post.
Business owners are also bearing the brunt of the outage. Opeyemi Philip, a beverage shop owner, lamented the financial strain of having to buy ice daily to keep drinks cold. “The extra costs are making it difficult to stay afloat,” he said.
Despite numerous complaints and written appeals to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), residents claim no action has been taken to restore power.
One resident, who spoke anonymously, expressed disappointment in the government’s silence. “We voted for this administration, but now we are left to suffer in darkness while our businesses collapse,” he said.
In response, the Rafin Zurfi Community Youth Forum has intensified calls for immediate intervention, urging the Bauchi State government and the Executive Chairperson of Bauchi Local Government, Mahmoud Babamaji, to address the crisis before it worsens.