Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Strike Over Alleged Police Assault
Nigeria’s power supply may be plunged into turmoil as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide shutdown following an alleged assault on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.
The union, describing the incident as a “brutal invasion,” has already ordered its members to suspend power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.
According to NUEE, workers on duty were reportedly beaten, held at gunpoint, and some abducted by police officers allegedly acting on the orders of the state government. The development has sparked anger across the power sector, with the union warning that it may withdraw services nationwide unless authorities ensure the safety of electricity workers.
The police officers were said to have forcefully entered the substation’s control rooms, vandalised equipment, and disrupted operations. Staff were allegedly assaulted, held hostage, and taken to an undisclosed location.
In a statement issued late Saturday, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, said:
“NUEE is deeply shocked by the level of gangsterism and unprofessionalism displayed by police officers acting on behalf of the Imo State government. These officers stormed the control rooms at Egbu Transmission Substation, vandalised equipment, and compelled operators at gunpoint to carry out an illegal outage.
“They assaulted our members, destroyed personal belongings including phones, laptops, and vehicles, and vandalised CCTV cameras before abducting staff to an undisclosed location.”
The union demanded the immediate release of the abducted workers, compensation for damaged property, and full medical care for all assaulted staff. It also called for formal assurances of protection from TCN management, the Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police.
NUEE stated that its members would not return to work until their safety is guaranteed, warning that failure to address the issue could lead to a nationwide shutdown.
Police Deny Abduction Claims, Describe Incident as Operational Dispute
In response, the Imo State Police Command denied allegations that its officers abducted or held electricity workers hostage. Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said the matter was an “operational disagreement” between the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and Orashi Electricity Distribution Company, with the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission present to mediate.
He added that the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full-scale investigation into the incident, noting that initial findings show no evidence that TCN or NISO workers were abducted, threatened, or forced to disconnect power.
The command assured the public that the situation is under control and that measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences and protect critical infrastructure across the state.
For Advertisements, Song Uploads, Interview, Biography, Music Promotions and Article Publication please Call or Whatsapp 08161430621.
Want to Get Featured?
– Showcase your event!
– Highlight your venue!
– Get your music video featured!
– Promote your brand with an advert!
– Be our Picture Pick of the Week!
– Make your song the Song of the Week!
Call or WhatsApp: 08161430621.