Blackout is looming in parts of Benin City, the Edo State capital, as management of the Ossiomo Power said it uncovered plans to disrupt its operations at Ologbo Community, in Ikpoba-Okha local government area of the State.

Ossiomo Power generates 95MW of electricity which it distributes to its customers.

It said the plot to disrupt its operations was a threat to public safety and a contempt of court.

The power firm has been at loggerheads with its Chinese partners, the Jiangsu Communication Clean Energy Technology Company (CCTEC) over ownership of the firm.

Ossiomo Power said it owned the company and that the CCETC were its contractor but the CCETC said the firm was joint venture on 75 percent and 25 percent ownership basis.

Legal Consultant to Ossiomo, Emmanuel Usoh, who spoke on Saturday in Benin City, said some individuals allegedly acting on behalf of its partner, CCETC, unlawfully opened the gas valve at the Quadrant gas infrastructure within its Ossiomo plant in Ologbo.

Usoh said details of the incident have been submitted to the relevant court and an arbitral panel for determination.

He said: “Beyond constituting a criminal act and disobedience to a valid restraining order granted by the Edo State High Court, it portends grave health and safety risks for communities surrounding the facility.

“The matter has been formally reported to security agencies for prompt intervention.

“Ossiomo Investments Limited is a key private power supplier in Edo State, with its operations providing electricity and gas services to industrial and public facilities.

“The company remains committed to maintaining safe, reliable energy supply and upholding the law despite ongoing disputes.” (The Nation)