The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide electricity shutdown after staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were allegedly attacked at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.
In a statement on Monday, Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike said workers on duty were reportedly beaten, held hostage at gunpoint, and some abducted by armed police officers allegedly acting on the orders of the state government. The officers are said to have forcibly entered control rooms, vandalised equipment, and disrupted operations.
The union has directed members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice and warned that services could be withdrawn nationwide if authorities fail to guarantee the safety of electricity workers.
NUEE’s statement read: “NUEE expresses deep shock and outrage over the level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct displayed 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, attempting to compel operators to grant an illegal outage. Staff on duty were held at gunpoint, assaulted, and abducted. Personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were destroyed, and CCTV cameras were vandalised.
“We demand the immediate release of our abducted members, full medical attention for the assaulted, and replacement of all damaged property. TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police must provide formal assurances to protect our members and prevent further incidents.
“NUEE directs all members to stay away from work until safety is fully guaranteed. Failure to act will compel the union to withdraw services nationwide.”
