Electricity Workers To Shutdown Nationwide

The National Union of Electricity Employees has threatened a nationwide shutdown in response to allegations that armed police officers attacked employees of the Transmission Company of Nigeria at the Egbu 132/33 kV Transmission Substation in Imo State. 

The union, in reaction to what it described as a “brutal invasion”, has already directed its members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.

NUEE said the decision became necessary after workers on duty were allegedly beaten, held hostage at gunpoint, and some abducted by police officers said to be acting on the orders of the state.

The incident has ignited widespread outrage within the power sector, with the union warning that it would withdraw services nationwide unless authorities took immediate action to guarantee the safety and protection of electricity workers across the country.

The police, said to be acting on behalf of the state, reportedly entered the substation’s control rooms by force, vandalising equipment and disrupting operations.

Workers on duty were allegedly held at gunpoint, assaulted, while some were abducted to an undisclosed location.

A statement by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, late Saturday night, read: “NUEE expresses deep shock and outrage over the level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct displayed today (yesterday) by police officers acting on behalf of Imo State government.

“These officers forcibly invaded and vandalised the control rooms at Egbu 132/33KV Transmission Substation in an attempt to compel operators to grant an illegal outage.

“During the invasion, the officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint and held all staff on duty hostage, forcing them to open breakers under duress.

“They further unleashed violence on our members, beating, molesting and assaulting every staff member in sight. Personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were destroyed, while CCTV cameras were also vandalised.

“The police officers executed this brutal and barbaric assault on innocent workers and abducted them to an undisclosed location.

“NUEE strongly condemns this reprehensible act and demands the immediate release of our abducted members. We also call for a formal undertaking from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure the protection of our members and to prevent any further traumatising incidents of this nature by putting the police in check.