By Editor Mahmoud Muhammad Kano
Kano, Nigeria – A three-month power blackout has crippled Danbare, a locality in Kano, leaving students of Bayero University, Kano (BUK), and residents in dire straits.
The outage, caused by a faulty transformer, has sparked widespread protests and appeals for urgent intervention.
The transformer, which serves thousands of households and the university community, conked out three months ago, plunging the area into darkness. Despite repeated appealed to the Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO), no solution has been forthcoming, leaving residents to suffer the sweltering heat and students to grapple with academic disruptions.
“We are at the mercy of the darkness,” lamented Aminu Abdullahi, a BUK student. “Our studies are being severely impacted, and we are worried about our safety at night.”
Residents claim that KEDCO has demanded a whopping N1.3 million to repair the transformer, a sum they deem exorbitant and unaffordable.
“It’s a huge burden on us,” said Fati Ibrahim, a local trader. “We can’t afford to pay such an amount. What about the students who have no income?”
The blackout has also led to a surge in insecurity, with residents reporting increased cases of theft and vandalism. “We’re living in fear, and it’s getting worse by the day,” said Musa Sani, a resident.
BUK authorities have expressed concern over the situation, appealing to KEDCO and government agencies to intervene. “The prolonged power outage is affecting our academic activities and students’ well-being,” said Dr. Ibrahim Adamu, BUK’s Public Relations Officer.
As the stalemate continues, residents are exploring alternative power sources, including generators and solar panels. However, these options are costly and not feasible for many. “We need a permanent solution, not temporary fixes,” demanded Abdullahi.
The people of Danbare are calling on KEDCO, the state government, and relevant authorities to urgently address the power crisis and provide relief to the affected community. The situation remains tense, with residents holding out hope for a swift resolution.
About The Author
