The corporate headquarters of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) was thrown into chaos on Thursday as officers of the Nigerian Air Force from Sam Ethnan Air Force Base, Ikeja, allegedly stormed the premises over a lingering electricity debt of N4 billion.
The military officers, who arrived in a convoy of trucks and OP-MESA vehicles, reportedly assaulted journalists, including PUNCH correspondent Dare Olawin, and other staff members.
Olawin was dragged out of a coaster bus alongside other reporters, beaten, and had his phone and power bank seized. A TVC cameraman also took his tripod and memory card.
According to IKEDC spokesperson Kingsley Okotie, the power company disconnected the barracks after repeated failed negotiations to settle the accumulated debt. He condemned the military’s actions, revealing that the operatives vandalised CCTV cameras, broke into offices, carted away laptops, and abducted engineers to force them to reconnect power to the barracks.
“They feel entitled to free electricity, forgetting that Ikeja DisCo is privatised. Their refusal to pay affects other customers who need transformers and infrastructure upgrades,” Okotie stated.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) condemned the attack, describing it as an assault on democracy and press freedom.
Despite the ordeal, IKEDC has maintained the power disconnection, with Okotie warning of further intimidation. “Enough is enough,” he declared, calling on the Chief of Air Staff to intervene and ensure justice.