The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a threat of a nationwide power shutdown following an alleged attack on the staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) by armed police officers. The incident reportedly occurred at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.
In response to the incident described as a “brutal invasion,” the union has instructed its members to cease power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.
Dominic Igwebike, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, expressed deep shock and outrage in a statement released late Saturday night. He condemned the “level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct” exhibited by the police officers, allegedly acting on behalf of the Imo State government.
According to the statement, the officers forcibly entered and vandalized control rooms at the substation, compelling operators to grant an illegal outage. The officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint, holding all staff on duty hostage and forcing them to open breakers under duress.
The statement further alleges that the officers unleashed violence on union members, engaging in beatings, molestations, and assaults. Personal belongings such as phones, laptops, and vehicles were reportedly destroyed, and CCTV cameras vandalized. The officers allegedly abducted the workers to an undisclosed location.
NUEE condemned the actions and demanded the immediate release of the abducted members. They called for a formal undertaking from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to protect their members and prevent future incidents. The union also demanded the replacement of damaged or confiscated property and medical attention for assaulted workers.
As a result, NUEE has directed its members to stay away from the office until further notice, citing the inability to work under conditions of brutality, intimidation, and threats to life. They stated that work would only resume when staff safety and property protection are assured.
The union warned that failure to address these issues promptly could lead to a nationwide withdrawal of services until adequate safety and protection are secured in all workplaces.
