The Association of Nigerian Electricity Distributors (ANED) has called for the Nigerian Air Force, the military, and the presidency to take action against the officers involved in the brutalization of staff and journalists at Ikeja Electric on Thursday. The association emphasized its determination to seek justice for those affected, including the correspondent who was attacked during the incident.
The altercation occurred at Ikeja Electric’s headquarters in Alausa, Lagos, when armed personnel from the Sam Ethnan Air Force Base in Ikeja reportedly attacked civilians, forcing them to lie on the ground and subjecting them to repeated beatings. The violence followed a dispute over a ₦4.3 billion debt owed by the Ikeja Air Force Base, with no attempts made to settle the amount.
In a TVC interview, Sunday Oduntan, Executive Director of Research and Advocacy at ANED, expressed outrage, insisting that Air Vice Marshall AK Ademulegun, the Area Officer Commanding of the Logistics Command, could not feign ignorance of the assault. Oduntan condemned the invasion, likening it to a coup against all electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and warned the political class that such behavior could potentially lead to more severe consequences for the country.
Oduntan stressed that the military authorities must take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable, restore any stolen property, and ensure the safety of civilians. He urged the presidency and military leadership to act transparently and with urgency, or risk similar incidents happening again in the future.
The attack has left many affected individuals traumatized, and the association vowed to continue pressing for justice until the culprits are brought to book.