Adebayo Adelabu, Nigeria’s Minister of Power, has strongly condemned an attack by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) headquarters in Lagos. The violent incident, which occurred on Thursday, left several people injured and resulted in significant damage to critical infrastructure.
In a statement issued on Friday, Adelabu described the attack as both “unfortunate” and a “grave concern.” He emphasized that such actions undermine the democratic processes meant to resolve conflicts and called for a return to dialogue and restraint in addressing disputes.
The incident unfolded when NAF personnel stormed IKEDC’s headquarters over the disconnection of power at the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja. Adelabu, addressing the issue, noted that the attack on the energy sector, a vital part of the nation’s economy, is an assault on the progress and well-being of millions of Nigerians.
“The facilities of Ikeja Electric, which serve millions, are essential for ensuring efficient electricity distribution to homes, hospitals, schools, industries, and even military installations,” he said. “This attack has set back efforts to achieve stable, uninterrupted power supply, hurting our nation’s collective aspirations.”
Adelabu was unequivocal in his stance that no grievance, regardless of its legitimacy, justifies the destruction of public infrastructure. He urged all parties involved to abandon violence and destruction, which, he said, only exacerbate the challenges facing the nation.
“We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the answer to our problems,” he stated. “Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving conflicts.”
The minister also reminded all involved that Nigeria’s democratic institutions, including the judiciary, the legislature, and regulatory bodies, are equipped to resolve disputes without resorting to violence. “Our democracy provides us with the tools to resolve conflicts peacefully, and we must use these channels to ensure justice is served and prevent such incidents in the future,” he added.
In an update earlier today, IKEDC announced that it had reached an agreement with the Nigerian Air Force to settle a N4 billion debt that had prompted the disconnection. Adelabu welcomed this development, urging the Air Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism in all operations and ensure that its actions respect civilian welfare and public infrastructure.
While acknowledging the critical role the military plays in maintaining national security, the minister stressed that actions taken by the armed forces should always align with the principles of democracy, law, and proportionality.
Adelabu also commended the staff and management of IKEDC for their resilience amidst provocation, praising their dedication to serving Nigerians under difficult circumstances.
“I want to commend your composure and commitment to duty during this trying period,” Adelabu said. “The Ministry of Power stands ready to support you in restoring normalcy as quickly as possible.”
In closing, Adelabu called for unity and collaboration in the power sector, urging stakeholders to prioritize cooperation over conflict and dialogue over discord. While acknowledging the challenges the sector faces, he expressed confidence that, with collective effort and a shared commitment to the greater good, these challenges can be overcome.
He also appealed to Nigerians to stay committed to peace and progress, rejecting violence and embracing the democratic values of dialogue, mutual respect, and unity in resolving conflicts.
