Electricity Company Threatens Nationwide Shutdown After Police Attack on Imo Staff
The nation’s power supply faces potential disruption after the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) threatened a nationwide shutdown following an alleged attack on Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) staff by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State. The union described the incident as a “brutal invasion” and has ordered its members in Imo State to suspend electricity operations until further notice. According to NUEE, staff on duty were beaten, held at gunpoint, and some were reportedly taken away by police officers allegedly acting under state directives. The incident has sparked outrage across the power sector, with NUEE warning that it may withdraw services nationwide unless immediate measures are taken to protect electricity workers. Police operatives were accused of forcefully entering control rooms, damaging equipment, and disrupting operations, while assaulting staff and taking some to an undisclosed location. In a statement on Saturday, NUEE Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike condemned the police actions, calling them unprofessional and violent. He said officers attempted to force staff to grant an illegal power outage, disconnecting electricity at gunpoint, vandalizing equipment, and assaulting workers. Personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were reportedly destroyed, and CCTV cameras damaged. The union demanded the immediate release of abducted members, full medical attention for assaulted workers, and replacement of damaged or confiscated property. NUEE also called on TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the safety of electricity workers. Igwebike warned that work would not resume until staff safety is guaranteed. “Failure to address these issues promptly will leave the union with no option but to withdraw our services nationwide until adequate protection is secured at all workplaces,” he said. The threat of service withdrawal underscores rising tensions in the nation’s power sector and raises concerns over potential widespread disruptions if the situation is not quickly resolved.