AEDC Raise Alarm As Land Grabbers Trigger Blackout in Abuja's Maitama

"The destruction of key installations has made it unsafe and technically impossible to continue electricity supply from the substation, which serves a large section of Maitama." Aedc Mgmt

.... "Alleges that the encroachment was led by an Assistant Director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Chinedu Okoro, resulting in damage to critical electricity cables and other network infrastructure."

The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) on Thursday in Abuja, shut down power supply from its C2 Maitama Substation following what it described as an invasion of the facility by suspected land grabbers.

The action by the AEDC threw residents, businesses, diplomatic missions and government institutions in Abuja's upscale Maitama District into darkness. 

The Distribution Company, in a public notice issued by its Management on Thursday, alleged that the encroachment was led by an Assistant Director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Mr. Chinedu Okoro, resulting in damage to critical electricity cables and other network infrastructure.

According to AEDC, "the destruction of key installations has made it unsafe and technically impossible to continue electricity supply from the substation, which serves a large section of Maitama."

The company, in the public notice,  described the C2 Maitama Substation as a strategic power distribution facility supplying electricity to homes, commercial establishments, diplomatic missions and government institutions.

AEDC, in its public notice disclosed that it has petitioned the relevant authorities over the incident, insisting that the substation and the land on which it stands are its lawful property. It called for a comprehensive investigation and appropriate sanctions against those responsible.

The electricity distribution company therefore condemned the encroachment, describing it as critical national infrastructure. It also warned that such actions undermine public interest, disrupt economic activities and deny communities access to essential power supply.

It assured affected customers that efforts to restore electricity would begin once the substation is secured and the damaged infrastructure is reconstructed.

The company also appealed for the understanding and cooperation of customers while it works with relevant authorities to resolve the situation and restore normal electricity supply.