- Safiu Kehinde
Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, has disclosed that bandits are frustrating contractors effort to fix vandalized power grid in northern Nigeria.
Adelabu made the disclosure while responding to questions from the Senators at the National Assembly on Tuesday.
Explaining the reason behind the involvement of the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, and other security agencies in repairing the vandalized 330kV Shiroro-Mando Line 1, the Minister said the contractors were threatened by bandits, hindering the repair.
“The bandits are also threatening the contractors that we sent to fix it which is why we sought help of the NSA and other security agencies.” Adelabu said.
He reinstated that the blackout in the northern region was not due to technical grid collapse but vandalization.
He, however, disclosed that they are considering alternative routes in ensuring quick restoration of power in the north.
“The northern blackout was not due to technical grid collapse. It was vandalization and we have explored alternative routes of supplying power which is the Markudi-Bauchi route. It was also vandalized but that one is easier to fix. Within the next two to three days, there will be light restored to the north.” Adelabu said.