Rainstorm throws Ilorin in darkness

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDB) says it has lost more than 96 electricity poles to Saturday’s rainstorm in Ilorin.
Alhaji Ajisafe Bello, Kwara Regional Head of IBEDB, confirmed this in Ilorin on Tuesday.
Bello said the damaged installation had resulted in a total blackout at the affected areas.
According to him, several businesses and residential areas across Ilorin metropolis and beyond have been thrown into total darkness since Saturday.
“The lBEDC had so far identified 96 damaged electricity poles by rainstorm in various parts of llorin metropolis which had brought blackouts in all the affected areas.
“Some of the affected areas include Okoerin, Ibrahim Taiwo road, Offa road in GRA, Umoru Saro road, ASA Dam road, Geri Alimi and Western Reservoirs road.
“Also, NNPC Pipeline road, Offa Garage road, Ganmo, Tanke along University of llorin permanent site, Danialu, Gas lmam and Gas AKANBI,” Bello said.
He, however, said the company engineers are working round the clock to restore normal electricity supply by fixing the poles and cables in order to boost social and economic activities.
Bello described the damage as colossal and unfortunate but appealed to affected residents to exercise patience with the company.
A welder, Mr ldowu Akanni and a Goldsmith, Alhaji Azeez Ajape, also said that the blackout had negatively affected their economic activities.
They appealed to IBEDC to expedite action on the repair work to enable them resume their businesses, adding that they do not have other sources of income for survival as their businesses depended on electricity.