The Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has blamed land grabbers for the power outage currently affecting Maitama and surrounding parts of the Federal Capital Territory, following the invasion and alleged unlawful encroachment of its C2 Maitama Substation.
The power company said the incident, which it described as a serious attack on critical national infrastructure, damaged vital electricity cables and other network facilities, making it unsafe and technically impossible to continue supply from the substation.
AEDC said the substation serves homes, businesses, diplomatic missions and government institutions in one of Abuja’s most strategic districts, warning that the disruption could affect essential services and economic activity in the area.
The development, as gathered, has sparked concern among residents and institutions that depend on the Maitama corridor, with the outage threatening to deepen disruptions in one of Abuja’s most sensitive and high-profile districts.
In a statement released on Friday, the company said the facility and the land on which it sits belong to AEDC, adding that it has already petitioned the relevant authorities over the actions of the individuals involved.
It fuether alleged that the encroachment was led by an Assistant Director of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Chinedu Okoro, but said it expects a thorough investigation and appropriate action in line with the law.
“We strongly condemn any encroachment on critical national infrastructure, as such actions deprive communities of essential electricity supply, disrupt economic activities and compromise public interest,” the company stated.
AEDC expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to customers in Maitama and nearby areas, assuring them that restoration work would begin immediately the substation is secured and the damaged infrastructure rebuilt.
It said the company is working with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter and restore power supply as quickly as possible.
AEDC appealed for calm and understanding, insisting that it remained committed to restoring normal supply once access to the facility is fully secured.