Adebayo Adelabu Kicks Against Army’s Attack On EKEDC Substation In Badagry

Chief Adebayo Adelabu,  the Minister of Power has strongly condemned the recent attack, abduction, and brutalization of staff, as well as the destruction of facilities at the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) substation in Badagry, Lagos State, by personnel of the Nigerian Army.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, March 14, 2025, followed a temporary power outage and comes 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 by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the attack as unacceptable and a direct threat to Nigeria’s power stability and economic well-being.

He called on the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene and rein in security operatives, emphasising that such issues should be handled peacefully, especially in a democratic setting.

The minister reiterated that electricity infrastructure is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy and a crucial driver of national 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.”

The statement further noted that the Nigerian 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”.

The Minister said the attack on EKEDC substation has resulted in significant damage, leading to power outages and disruptions in service to thousands of customers.

“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 called on the Nigerian Army to immediately investigate this incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

“The Ministry of Power also urges 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”.

Adelabu said the power ministry remains committed to working with all stakeholders to safeguard power infrastructure and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply to all Nigerians.

The Minister said though he recognises the sensitive role of the military in safeguarding the country and protecting its assets, the military should see the power sector as a partner in progress and not its enemy.

“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”.

Credit: thenationonlineng.net

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