The federal government has condemned the attack on electricity distribution companies by military personnel.
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu condemned another attack on Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in Badagry, Lagos State by personnel of the Nigerian Army. The minister also condemned the forceful abduction, intimidation, assault, brutalisation of members of staff and destruction of the facilities at the substation.
The attack on EKEDC was reported to have taken place on March 14, following a temporary power outage.
Recall that before the latest attack, personnel from the Nigerian Air Force had also attacked the headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) in Alausa, Lagos. They allegedly vandalised property and brutalised staff and journalists over a power outage and unpaid bills
According to the minister, the attack is happening less than a week after a similar assault on the staff and the infrastructure of the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
Adelabu described the vandalisation, destruction and forceful abduction of staff as not only unacceptable but also a direct threat to the stability of Nigeria’s power supply and the economic well-being of the country.
He called on the National Security Adviser (NSA) , Malam Nuhu Ribadu to intervene by calling security operatives to order, adding that there were ways such issues could be handled without resorting to violence, especially in a democratic setting.
” Electricity infrastructure is the backbone of the Nigerian economy and a critical enabler of development.
“Attacks on these facilities and staff on duty undermine the efforts of the federal government to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions.
”The repeated targeting of power infrastructure and the personnel of distribution companies by uniformed personnel, who are expected to protect national assets, are deeply troubling and raises serious concerns about discipline and accountability within our armed forces,”he said.
The minister said that the army was emboldened to attack EKEDC facilities and staff because of the silence of the Federal Government on the earlier invasion of Ikeja Electric by the Air Force.
“The NSA has to wade into this matter in order to forestall further attacks,”he said.
The minister also said that the attack on EKEDC sub-station had resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers.
He said that the attack came at a time when the government was working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector.
Adelabu said that actions were counterproductive and sabotaged the collective progress the country was striving to achieve.
He called on the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The ministry of power also urges the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitise its personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure.
”The repeated occurrence of such incidents suggest a systemic issue that must be addressed with the utmost urgency,” he said.
Adelabu said that the power ministry remained committed to working with all stakeholders to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all Nigerians.
The minister said that though, he recognised the sensitive role of the military in safeguarding the country and protecting its assets, they should see the sector as a partner in progress and not its enemy.
“We appeal to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognise the importance of protecting our power infrastructure.
“These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all, ”he said.
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