By Dansu Goldmark The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the reported attack on the Eko Electricity Distribut...
By Dansu Goldmark
The incident, which took place on Friday, March 14, 2025, followed a temporary power outage in the area. It comes barely a week after a similar assault on Ikeja Electric (IKEDC) staff and facilities by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Strategic Communications, Bolaji Tunji, Adelabu described the attack as “unacceptable” and a direct threat to national stability. He warned that the repeated targeting of power sector workers and installations by security forces undermines the Federal Government’s efforts to ensure reliable electricity supply across the country.
“The Ministry of Power views this act as an attack not just on EKEDC but on Nigeria’s economic progress. Electricity infrastructure is the backbone of our national development, and any assault on it threatens our collective future,” the statement read.
Adelabu urged the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, to intervene, stressing that security operatives must refrain from taking laws into their own hands. He further called on the Nigerian Army to investigate the matter and bring those responsible to justice.
“The silence of the authorities following the Ikeja Electric incident appears to have emboldened security personnel to repeat such actions. The NSA must step in to prevent further attacks before this trend escalates into a crisis,” Adelabu warned.
The minister lamented the disruption caused by the attack, noting that thousands of customers in Badagry were left without power at a time when the government is working tirelessly to improve service delivery.
“This is not just an attack on EKEDC but on the progress we are making in the power sector. Such actions are counterproductive and must stop,” he stated.
Nigerian Army Denies Allegations
In response, the Nigerian Army’s 81 Division has denied any involvement in an attack on the EKEDC substation. In a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos, Lt.-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, spokesman for the Division, dismissed the claims as misleading.
According to Ayeni, the allegations surfaced during an Arise TV interview featuring the Chief Executive Officer of the Association of Nigeria Electricity Distributors. However, he argued that the report misrepresented the situation and falsely implicated the Army.
“The footage shown on television does not depict Nigerian Army personnel, nor does it reflect the true nature of events,” Ayeni stated.
He explained that Badagry, including Topo Barracks, had endured a month-long power outage before the incident. When electricity was restored on March 14, a power surge allegedly caused a fire at an EKEDC-managed facility within the barracks, leading to panic among residents.
Ayeni stated that soldiers on duty assisted EKEDC staff in containing the situation, adding that a misunderstanding between a soldier and EKEDC personnel was “peacefully resolved” without any invasion, abduction, or physical assault.
“The Commanding Officer has since convened a Board of Inquiry to investigate the matter. The Nigerian Army remains committed to upholding human rights and maintaining cordial relations with all stakeholders,” he concluded.
Despite the Army’s denial, stakeholders in the power sector continue to express concern over what they describe as a growing trend of military personnel interfering in electricity operations. Observers say the swift intervention of the Federal Government will be crucial in preventing future clashes and ensuring the protection of critical infrastructure.
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