The Federal Government, through the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has strongly condemned the attack carried out by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel on the headquarters of the Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) on Thursday.
In a statement released over the weekend by Bolaji Tunji, Special Adviser on Strategic Communications to the Minister of Power, the assault was described as alarming, resulting in injuries to several individuals and vandalisation of critical facilities and equipment.
Tunji quoted Minister Adelabu, who expressed deep concern over the implications of such an attack, stressing that in a democratic society, there are established mechanisms for conflict resolution that should be followed instead of resorting to unlawful actions.
He condemned the assault on Ikeja Electric’s infrastructure, calling it a serious matter of national concern.
“This unfortunate incident also raises critical questions about the need for restraint, dialogue, and adherence to democratic principles in settling disputes,” Adelabu stated.
The minister emphasised that the power sector is a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s economic development, and any attack on its infrastructure directly undermines national progress and the well-being of citizens.
Ikeja Electric’s facilities serve millions of Nigerians, ensuring electricity supply to homes, hospitals, schools, industries, and even military installations. Disrupting such a vital service, Adelabu noted, sets back efforts to achieve stable and uninterrupted power supply.
He further cautioned that no grievance, no matter how justified, warrants the destruction of public infrastructure, as such actions are counterproductive and only worsen the challenges faced by the nation.
“We must always remember that violence and destruction are not the solution to our problems. Instead, we must embrace dialogue, understanding, and the rule of law as the only viable means of resolving disputes,” he stated.
The minister urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and pursue peaceful, democratic solutions to any grievances that may have led to the incident.
“Our democracy provides the necessary institutions for conflict resolution, including the judiciary, legislature, and regulatory bodies, all of which are empowered to mediate and adjudicate disputes. It is imperative that we utilise these channels to ensure justice is served and to prevent similar incidents in the future,” Adelabu stressed.
He called on the Nigerian Air Force to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and to conduct its operations with respect for civilian welfare and public infrastructure.
“The military plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and security, but it is equally important that all actions taken by the armed forces are proportionate, well-targeted, and in alignment with democratic principles,” he added.
Adelabu commended the staff and management of Ikeja Electric for their resilience in the face of provocation, praising their professionalism and dedication to serving the Nigerian people.
“The Ministry of Power stands ready to provide support to ensure that normalcy is restored as swiftly as possible,” he assured.
The minister urged all stakeholders in the power sector to work in harmony, prioritising collaboration over conflict, dialogue over discord, and unity over division.
While acknowledging the significant challenges in the power sector, he affirmed that these obstacles are not insurmountable, stating that with collective commitment, they can be overcome.
Adelabu also called on Nigerians to remain steadfast in their commitment to peace, unity, and progress, rejecting violence and destruction in all forms.
“Let us embrace the values of democracy, dialogue, and mutual respect. Together, we can build a nation where disputes are resolved through appropriate channels and where the aspirations of all citizens are realised,” he concluded.
