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Bayelsa State Residents Groan From Blackouts, Fuel Scarcity

"It is not fair. We have been in darkness for six days. And the most annoying thing about it is that the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company are billing costumers for services not rendered."

Commuters and motorists of Bayelsa State capital Yenagoa showed signs of concern following several days of an electricity blackout and increasing fuel scarcity in most parts of the State.

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The blackout has resulted in an increase in criminal activities in most of parts of Amarata, Ekeki, Otiotio and Yenagoa. Fuel scarcity in the State has created long queues at most filling stations, and fuel pump prices have increased to between N120 and N130 per liter. Black marketers have jacked their prices, too, with prices ranging from N120 and N150 per liter.

Odion Joseph, a business owner in the Amarata area of the State capital, explained that his seafood business is nearing collapse due to the blackout and cost of fuel. 

"It is not fair. We have been in darkness for six days. And the most annoying thing about it is that the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company are billing costumers for services not rendered."

Another resident, Madam Preye, said the blackout has increased crime in Amarata and other areas, with armed men invading homes and dispossessing families of valuables.

"The police don't seem to know their jobs. The patrol teams only stay on major roads and avoid the streets due to the blackout. The fear of darkness is affecting policing and putting the people at risk."

Attempts to contact the management of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company failed, and many of the staff declined to comment on the blackout.

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Energy