- Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, condemned the Nigerian Air Force’s attack on Ikeja Electric’s headquarters, which injured people and damaged facilities.
- Adelabu urged all parties to embrace dialogue, respect the rule of law, and work towards restoring peace and stability in the power sector while commending Ikeja Electric for its resilience.
The Minister of Power, Mr Adebayo Adelabu, has condemned the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel’s attack on the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) headquarters. The attack injured several people and vandalised facilities and equipment.
Mr. Bolaji Tunji, the Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the Minister of Power, confirmed the incident in a statement issued on Friday, March 21, in Abuja. The Minister expressed his grave concern, stating that the attack highlighted the importance of using appropriate channels for conflict resolution in a democratic society rather than resorting to self-help.
Adelabu described the attack on Ikeja Electric, a critical power distribution company, as unfortunate and deeply concerning. He emphasised that the power sector is vital to Nigeria’s economy and development, and attacking its infrastructure harms the nation’s progress and the well-being of its people.
The Minister noted that Ikeja Electric’s facilities serve millions of Nigerians, ensuring efficient electricity distribution to homes, hospitals, schools, industries, and military installations. He stated that the attack undermined efforts to achieve a stable and uninterrupted power supply and was a setback for the nation’s collective aspirations.
Adelabu condemned the destruction of public infrastructure and stressed that no grievance, regardless of its legitimacy, could justify such actions. He urged all involved parties to embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law, asserting that violence and destruction only worsened the nation’s challenges.
The Minister called for restraint from all parties and encouraged them to use peaceful, democratic methods to address the issues that led to the attack. He reminded everyone that Nigeria’s democratic institutions, including the judiciary, legislature, and regulatory bodies, can resolve conflicts without violence.
Adelabu also urged the Nigerian Air Force to uphold professionalism and respect civilians and public infrastructure in its operations. While recognising the military’s essential role in maintaining peace and security, he stressed that its actions must remain proportionate and aligned with democratic principles and the rule of law.
The Minister commended the staff and management of Ikeja Electric for their resilience in provocation and assured them that the Ministry of Power would support efforts to restore normalcy.
Adelabu called for collaboration, dialogue, and unity among stakeholders in the power sector. He acknowledged the sector’s challenges but expressed confidence that a shared commitment to the common good would help overcome them.
Lastly, the MinMinisterged Nigerians to remain committed to peace, unity, and progress. He appealed to all citizens to reject violence and embrace democratic values, dialogue, and mutual respect. He believes that together, the nation can build a future where conflicts are resolved through appropriate channels and the aspirations of all citizens are realised.