Minister Adelabu Laments: ‘Why Do We Hate This Country?’ As Vandalism Plunges His Office Into Darkness

Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has expressed deep concern over the recurring vandalism of Abuja’s electricity transmission lines.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced on Friday that vandals had once again attacked, stolen, and damaged critical power lines supplying electricity to parts of Abuja. This incident comes less than a month after a similar attack on TCN’s 330kV Shiroro-Katampe transmission line.

Speaking at the inauguration of a 100MVA power transformer at the 132/33kV transmission substation in Isolo, Lagos, Adelabu condemned the destructive actions, emphasizing that they undermine the government’s efforts to stabilize energy transmission. He described the vandalism as a significant blow to the nation’s power sector, noting its impact on key areas of Abuja, including the Central Area, Maitama, and his own office in the Garki Area, which have been plunged into darkness.

Adelabu urged all stakeholders—government agencies, private sector partners, and local communities—to work together to protect Nigeria’s power infrastructure.

“It’s disheartening when we complete major installations like transformers, only for them to be destroyed by vandals within weeks,” Adelabu said. “This behavior reflects a lack of self-love and patriotism, something not common in many other parts of the world. These acts have left several areas, including Abuja and Bayelsa State, in prolonged darkness.”

He added, “For four months, Bayelsa State suffered darkness due to local vandalism. Now, the Central Area of Abuja, including my office in Garki, faces the same fate. Why do we harbor such hatred for our own country? These actions only serve to pull the nation backward, frustrating our efforts to stabilize the energy sector.”

The minister called for immediate and collaborative action to curb vandalism and ensure the sustainability of the country’s power infrastructure.