The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned the attack carried out by Nigerian Air Force personnel on the headquarters and facilities of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC), which resulted in injuries and damage to critical infrastructure.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the incident as deeply concerning, emphasizing that disputes should be resolved through established democratic channels rather than acts of aggression.
He expressed alarm over the assault on Ikeja Electric, a key player in Nigeria’s power distribution network, stressing that such attacks threaten national development and economic stability.
“The power sector is the backbone of our economy, and any disruption to its infrastructure directly affects millions of Nigerians. Facilities like those of Ikeja Electric are vital for supplying electricity to homes, hospitals, schools, industries, and even military institutions,” the minister stated.
While acknowledging that disagreements may arise, he insisted that damaging public utilities only worsens existing challenges.
He urged all involved parties to remain calm and pursue peaceful means of conflict resolution.
“In a democratic society, there are legal and institutional mechanisms for addressing disputes, including the judiciary and regulatory bodies. It is crucial to adhere to these frameworks to ensure justice and prevent future occurrences,” he added.
Adelabu also called on the Nigerian Air Force to maintain the highest standards of professionalism and ensure that its operations respect civilian rights and public infrastructure.
He reiterated the military’s critical role in national security but emphasized that all actions must align with the principles of democracy and the rule of law.
Praising the staff of Ikeja DisCo for their resilience in the face of adversity, he assured them of the Ministry of Power’s full support in restoring operations.
He also urged stakeholders in the power sector to prioritize collaboration over confrontation, noting that unity and collective effort are key to overcoming challenges.
The minister further appealed to Nigerians to embrace dialogue and peaceful engagement, emphasizing that national progress can only be achieved through cooperation and respect for democratic institutions.
(Prompt news)