Hundreds of angry youths from the Ndokwa nation stormed the streets of Kwale, Delta State, on Monday, blocking the Ughelli-Asaba expressway to demand electricity from the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP). The protest began early in the day and left travellers stranded for hours as demonstrators used burning tires and placards to express their frustration over years of blackout in their communities.
Chanting protest songs and carrying signs with messages like “Light Up Ndokwa Nation” and “Nepa No, IPP Yes,” the protesters called out the federal and state governments for allowing the plant to supply power to more than nine states while host communities remain in darkness.
Police officers attempted to disperse the crowd with tear gas around 9 a.m., but the youths regrouped and continued the protest. One of the demonstrators, Mr. Enubuzor, described the situation as unjust, explaining that despite hosting a major power facility, locals still rely on fuel-powered generators to survive. He said the unbearable heat, worsened by gas flaring, had pushed the community to its limit.
Enubuzor added that many community leaders live outside the area and are unaware of residents’ hardships. He urged government officials to prioritize Ndokwa in electricity distribution, saying, “We’re tired of suffering while others enjoy our resources.”
The Ndokwa Neku Union (NNU), the region’s top socio-cultural group, acknowledged the protest but questioned the timing. According to the union’s Publicity Secretary, a committee had been formed a day before the protest to address the power issue and engage with government officials on solutions.
Meanwhile, police spokesperson Mr. Bright Edafe defended the officers’ use of tear gas, stating the protest became violent when demonstrators blocked the highway, burned tires, and threw stones at vehicles.
Earlier, Ukwuani Local Government Chairman, Mr. Possible Ajede, had assured the public that efforts were underway to restore electricity. He revealed that over 80% of the materials needed to reconnect affected communities to the national grid had been handed to contractors with a two-week deadline for completion. At a joint press briefing with other local government chairmen, Ajede thanked Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for acting quickly, describing him as a leader who listens and responds to the people’s needs.
