'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the attack, forceful abduction, and brutalization of electricity workers as well as the destruction of power facilities by personnel of the Nigerian Army at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos State.
The attack, which took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, followed a temporary power outage in the area. This latest incident comes less than a week after a similar assault on staff and infrastructure belonging to the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) by Nigerian Air Force personnel.
Chief Adelabu described these repeated attacks on power facilities as unacceptable and a direct threat to the country’s electricity stability and economic progress. He called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and ensure that security operatives are called to order.
“There are ways such issues can be handled without resorting to violence, especially in a democratic setting,” he stated.
Impact of the Attack on Power Supply
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Bolaji Tunji, the minister noted that electricity infrastructure is a critical enabler of national development and must be protected.
“Attacks on these facilities and staff undermine the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure stable and reliable power supply to homes, businesses, and public institutions,” he said.
Adelabu further expressed concern over the silence of the Federal Government following the earlier attack on Ikeja Electric, stating that it may have emboldened the Nigerian Army to repeat similar acts against EKEDC staff and facilities.
He warned that the latest attack had resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages affecting thousands of customers in Badagry and surrounding areas.
“This comes at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve the efficiency and reliability of the power sector. Such actions are counterproductive and sabotage the collective progress we are striving to achieve,” he added.
Call for Military Investigation and Accountability
The minister urged the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
He also called on the military high command to take urgent steps to educate and sensitize its personnel on the importance of protecting critical national infrastructure.
“The repeated occurrence of such incidents suggests a systemic issue that must be addressed with the utmost urgency,” he stated.
Appeal for Cooperation and Protection of National Assets
While recognizing the sensitive role of the military in safeguarding national security, Adelabu urged the armed forces to view the power sector as a partner in progress, not an adversary.
“We appeal to all Nigerians, including members of the armed forces, to recognize the importance of protecting our power infrastructure. These facilities are vital to our collective prosperity, and their destruction harms us all,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Power reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding power infrastructure and working with all stakeholders to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to Nigerians.
