Benin, Edo – Residents of Ayogwiri, Ikabigbo, Ugbenor, and Irekpai communities in Etsako West Local Government Area (LGA) continue to grapple with a crippling seven-month power outage, plunging daily life into darkness and frustration.

The blackout, triggered by the failure of a 2.5 KVA step-down transformer on Apana Road in Ayogwiri since early April, has left thousands without electricity despite ongoing billing by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

Local farmers, traders, and families say the prolonged darkness has devastated livelihoods, forcing reliance on costly generators and battery lamps.

"We can't even charge our phones, let alone run businesses or keep food fresh," lamented an elder from Ugbenor during a recent community gathering.

The situation has amplified calls for accountability, with residents accusing elected officials of neglect.

Now, as the Yuletide season approaches, the communities are mobilizing for action.

In a scathing report published earlier this month, DAILY South Nigeria spotlighted the crisis, leveling sharp criticism at key political figures from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Edo State APC Chairman Jarret Tenebe, a native of Ikabigbo, faces backlash for prioritizing party internal affairs over his hometown's plight.

"His chairmanship means little if his own people remain in darkness," an anonymous youth leader told the outlet.

Similarly, Hon. Gani Akokhia, the state House of Assembly member for Etsako West II Constituency, has been called out for inaction despite past promises on infrastructure.

"If he can't address a single transformer, he should step aside or at least visit us," a frustrated Ayogwiri farmer remarked.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North in the National Assembly, has also been urged to intervene, given his influence in the region.

The communities' grievances has extended to the state government, as sources close to the affected areas confirmed to this online newspaper that a formal committee has been established to draft and deliver a petition to Governor Monday Okpebholo.

The letter demands urgent replacement of the transformer, ideally with a higher-capacity modern unit and accountability from BEDC and political leaders.

If no response is received before the holiday season, organizers warn of sustained protests, potentially escalating into broader demonstrations.

"We've appealed repeatedly with no results. This time, we'll make our voices heard until the lights come back on," the Ugbenor elder added.

As of now, neither the governor's office, APC officials, nor the representatives have issued public statements on the matter.

The crisis underscores broader challenges in Nigeria's power sector, where rural communities often bear the brunt of infrastructure failures.