The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has dismissed claims that bandits are responsible for the destruction of the transmission lines and are causing delay in the repairs of the electricity cables which has caused blackouts in northern Nigeria.
He made this known on Monday after a meeting with the Northern Governors’ Forum and traditional rulers in Kaduna.
There has been a blackout in several parts of northern Nigeria with reports of vandalism of some power infrastructure by bandits. There are also claims that bandits took over the structure making it difficult for repairs.
General Musa has however refuted those claims. He said:
“There is no way that anybody is in control. If you look at it, I’m sure you saw the pictures, some of those areas are supposed to have cleared views so that patrols can be taking place. But because of the shops and the forest is fully forested, it makes it extremely difficult,
“But actions have been taken with the troops. We clear those areas so that repairs can be taken, and then there will be monitoring, which is critical.”
On insecurity which is a major issue affecting the country, especially northern Nigeria, the CDS commended the troops for their sacrifice.
“We appreciate them as commanders. We appreciate them. Nigerians appreciate what they are doing. The sacrifice they are making, they should remain focused
“We want them to be disciplined, to understand that we are here to protect Nigeria and Nigerians. None of them should do any action that will infringe on the rights of every Nigerian. We will not take that lightly. And that’s why it’s important.
“And then to continue to call on Nigerians to continue to give us support, to also advise those ones that think they can trade, provide logistics, provide money, food and all these things to the criminals. They should stop. Actions are taken. We have intensified all our operations all over the country. Nigeria will be peaceful. We need all Nigerians to work together.”
The Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu had earlier said repairs were going on and light would be restored in the area soon. He complained that lack of decentralisation of the National grid and old infrastructure was the cause of the delay in repairs.
17 Northern states have been in darkness for 8 days now, affecting businesses, hospitals, offices, school, and homes. It is indeed dark times for the north.
