Katsina residents protest six-month power outage

Residents of four communities in Katsina State have staged a protest over a six-month power outage that has left more than 5,000 households in darkness and worsened living conditions.

Hundreds of residents marched in Barhim on Sunday, demanding the immediate restoration of electricity to Abuja Quarters, Barhim Layout, Sha’iskawa and Tigirmis Quarters.

They said the blackout has intensified water scarcity, increased insecurity and disrupted daily activities.

Community representative Usman Mohammad-Alqasim said residents have endured the outage without any explanation.

He linked the crisis to illegal structures built under a 33kV power line, which were partially demolished before the exercise was halted following the intervention of Batagarawa council chairman, Yahaya Kawo.

According to him, while some houses initially marked for demolition now enjoy power supply, the larger affected neighbourhoods remain without electricity.

He added that the council chairman had earlier told residents that funds were approved to relocate the line, but no work has begun.

The village head of Barhim Layout, Sirajo Aminu, said the prolonged blackout has worsened insecurity and made water access more difficult.

He called on the state government to restore power and provide essential amenities, including schools, hospitals, and proper drainage.

Council chairman Kawo confirmed the situation and assured residents that efforts to resolve the issue would begin “this week.”