Members of the Edo Civil Society Organisation have protested against the alleged intimidation and extortion of customers by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).

The protesters chanted solidarity songs as they marched through some major streets of Benin City on Monday and ended the demonstration at the BEDC headquarters in the Edo State capital.

The leader of the group, Agho Omobude, accused the company of incessant poor electricity supply, estimated billing and ineptitude among other issues,adding that BDEC had not been fair to its customers in spite of their numerous complaints.

He added that the company had not been fair to its customers in spite of their numerous complaints.

“People have not said that they won’t pay bills but they want services that will be commensurate to the paid bills, nobody enjoys eight hours of light in Edo State.

“It should be 24 hours or nothing else; they have also refused to give people prepaid meters,” Omobude claimed.

Responding to the allegations, the Corporate Affairs Manager of BEDC, Mr Adekunle Tayo, noted that the demonstration was clearly motivated.

Mr Tayo claimed that the protesters were trying to settle a grudge against the company, stating that they have no moral grounds for their actions.

“Some of the issues here are already in the public domain which does not only affect Benin DISCO (Distribution Company) but all DISCOs and the power sector and they are being addressed.

“One of the civil society group members who owed electricity debts was discovered; he was using light and not paying for it,” he said.