Residents of Rafin Zurfin and Gwallameji areas of Bauchi metropolis are grappling with the hardships of a two-month-long blackout that has crippled businesses, disrupted daily life, and worsened the unbearable heat, leaving them frustrated.
The prolonged power outage has also left students from the nearby Federal Polytechnic Bauchi and Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University struggling to prepare for their examinations.
Malam Hussaini Hassan, a grinding machine operator, lamented, “I rely on my machine for survival. Without electricity, I have no source of income.”
Similarly, Madam Hannatu shared her ordeal with DAILY POST, saying she had to take her maize outside the community for grinding after waiting weeks for power restoration.
A beverage shop owner, Opeyemi Philip, is also feeling the pinch, as he was forced to buy ice daily to keep drinks cold, adding extra costs to his struggling business.
Despite multiple complaints and written appeals to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), residents say no action had been taken.
A frustrated resident, speaking anonymously, accused the government of neglect, stating, “We voted for this administration, but now we are left to suffer in darkness while our businesses collapse.”
The Rafin Zurfi Community Youth Forum has intensified calls for intervention, urging the Bauchi State government and the Executive Chairperson of Bauchi LG, Mahmoud Babamaji, to take immediate action before the situation worsened.