PeakNews Online
Operations at Ikeja Electric was temporarilly suspended on Thursday morning after soldiers of the Nigerian Air Force attacked the Head office of IE in Alausa, assaulting workers and destroying power and IT equipment.
The attack it was learnt was prompted by a 14 days power outage at the Sam Ethan Air Force Base, Ikeja where residents have suffered untold hardship over the outage.
It was learnt that patients admitted in hospitals in side the base, experienced uncomfortable times, especially as the heat intensified and the weather reaching nearly 39 degrees celcius.
Also morgues and ammunition silos were receiving the effect of the outage as the cooling system of the silos were shutdown during the 14 days power outage which Ikeja electric said were orchestrated by a N4billion debt owed it by the Nigerian Air Force.
Speaking on the incident, Mr. Kingsley Okotie, Head of Corporate Communications at Ikeja Electric, revealed that the attack was triggered by the military base’s refusal to settle an outstanding electricity bill exceeding N4 billion. Due to non-payment, Ikeja Electric disconnected the barracks from power supply, prompting the violent retaliation.
According to Okotie, discussions had been ongoing between Ikeja Electric and the military authorities on how to resolve the debt issue, explaining that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed, outlining a payment plan for the debt.
Despite the agreements, the barracks repeatedly tampered with electricity installations and denied Ikeja Electric access to its facilities.
After several failed attempts to restore power legally, the company had no option but to cut off supply completely. Instead of returning for further negotiations, military personnel resorted to threats and eventually stormed the office.
However, the Nigerian Air Force said, yes, they were owing and that efforts have been initiated to defray the debt, and despite this efforts the Ikeja Electric still went ahead to disconnect the base.
It was learnt that the base and the electricity distribution company had agreed to N60million monthly payment plan, which the force had adhered strictly to.
It was learnt that the Nigerian Air Force Logistics Command had since October 2024 being paying N60million to Ikeja Electric and had never defaulted in the payment schedule.
The base was miffed by the fact that of all the military bases in Lagos, they pay the highest bill and yet they were cut off from power, pleading that, “all we are asking is just 12hours of light everyday.”
The Sam Ethnan NAF base never had one hour of light, rather for 14 days they have experienced unbearable outage, prompting a truckload of armed Air Force personnel arrived at Ikeja Electric’s headquarters to seek answers to why the continous outage.
Physically assault were meted out employees and several workers were injured. Equipments critical to the operation of the company. including computers, IT infrastructure, and office furniture were destroyed.
Personal belongings of IE workers, including mobile phones and laptops were siezed and some broken.
Vandalized key offices, including the IT department, server room, CEO’s office, and HR department.
Some injured workers were rushed to the hospital, while others were reportedly forcefully taken to the Air Force base, where they were detained and tortured.
MEANWHILE, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has issued a formal apology to the management and staff of Ikeja Electric following an invasion of the company’s headquarters by troops attached to its Logistics Command in Lagos.
The apology was delivered during a joint press briefing held at Ikeja Electric’s office, where the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Logistics Command, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Adeniran Kolade Ademuwagun, condemned the attack and assured that those responsible would face disciplinary measures.
Describing the invasion as “unfortunate,” AVM Ademuwagun emphasized that the Nigerian Air Force remains committed to upholding discipline among its personnel and ensuring that officers operate under strict professional conduct.
“We will investigate what happened and impose appropriate sanctions,” he stated. “The Nigerian Air Force takes the safety of citizens very seriously, and Ikeja Electric should continue providing services without fear of disturbance.”
He stressed that the force values its relationship with civilian institutions and will take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence of such an incident.
“The dialogue with Ikeja Electric has been fruitful, and we will continue to work on ensuring our men remain under positive control. The Nigerian Air Force is a disciplined force, and any action that undermines our integrity will not be tolerated,” he added.
AVM Ademuwagun also reaffirmed the military’s responsibility to protect citizens rather than intimidate them. “It is our duty to ensure the safety and security of Nigerians, and we do not take that responsibility lightly,” he said.
Joe
