Nigeria’s Minister for Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned another attack on Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) in Badagry, Lagos State, by Nigerian Army personnel.
The minister also denounced the forceful abduction, intimidation, assault, brutalization, and destruction of facilities at the substation.
This attack occurred less than a week after a similar assault on Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) staff and infrastructure by Nigerian Air Force personnel.
In a statement issued through Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications and Media Relations, Mr. Adelabu said the attack happened on March 14, following a temporary power outage.
He described the vandalism, destruction, and forceful abduction of staff as unacceptable and a direct threat to Nigeria’s power supply stability and economic well-being.
He called on the National Security Adviser, NSA, 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.
Mr Adelabu said that actions were counterproductive and sabotage to 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.
Source: https://energynewsafrica.com
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