Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Shutdown

The nation’s power supply may face a serious disruption following a warning by the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) to shut down operations nationwide after workers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were allegedly attacked by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

In response to what the union described as a “brutal invasion,” NUEE has already ordered its members to halt electricity operations in Imo State until further notice.

The union said the move became necessary after staff on duty were reportedly beaten, held at gunpoint and some taken away by police officers allegedly acting under state orders.

The incident has triggered widespread outrage in the power sector, with the union warning that it will withdraw services across the country unless authorities take urgent steps to guarantee the safety of electricity workers.

Police operatives, said to be acting on behalf of the state, were accused of forcefully entering the control rooms, damaging equipment and disrupting operations. Workers were allegedly held at gunpoint, assaulted and taken to an undisclosed location.

In a statement issued late Saturday by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union condemned the conduct of the police officers.

“NUEE expresses deep shock and outrage over the level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct displayed today by police officers acting on behalf of the 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 prevent further traumatising incidents.

“Additionally, we demand the immediate replacement of all staff property damaged or taken away, and we insist that all assaulted workers be given full medical attention.

“Consequently, NUEE directs all members to stay away from the office until further notice, as we cannot continue to work under conditions of brutality, intimidation and threats to life. Work can only resume when the safety of staff and property is fully guaranteed.

“Failure to address these issues promptly will leave the union with no option but to withdraw our services nationwide until adequate safety and protection are secured at all workplaces.”