The Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) has spoken out against the Nigerian Air Force personnel who invaded their office at Sam Ethnan Barracks, Ikeja, and assaulted staff members.
According to Kingsley Okotie, IKEDC spokesperson, the military personnel arrived at the office around 8 a.m. on Thursday, beating employees and vandalizing property. Okotie himself was a victim, losing his laptop, while many staff members couldn’t find their phones after the incident.
The invasion was reportedly a response to the military base being disconnected from electricity 10 days prior due to an outstanding debt of over N4 billion. The IKEDC had cut off power supply to the base, leading to the Air Force personnel’s aggressive reaction. The incident has raised concerns about the use of violence to resolve disputes, particularly between military personnel and civilian organizations.
The Nigerian Air Force has yet to respond to the allegations, leaving many questions unanswered. The IKEDC has condemned the actions of the Air Force personnel, highlighting the damage caused to their property and the trauma inflicted on their staff members.
The incident is a disturbing reminder of the tensions that can arise between military and civilian entities, and the need for peaceful resolution mechanisms to prevent such conflicts from escalating.
