The National Union of Electricity Employees has threatened a nationwide shutdown after alleging that police officers attacked staff at a transmission substation in Imo State.
The National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has threatened a nationwide shutdown following an alleged attack on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State, according to a report from VANGUARD.
The union described the incident as a “brutal invasion” and has directed its members to halt operations in Imo State until further notice.
NUEE said workers on duty were beaten, held at gunpoint and some abducted by police officers reportedly acting on orders from the state. It alleged that officers forcibly entered control rooms, vandalised equipment, disconnected power “at gunpoint,” and destroyed staff belongings.
In a statement, Acting General Secretary Dominic Igwebike condemned the “gangsterism and unprofessional conduct” displayed during the incident and demanded the release of abducted workers, medical care for the assaulted, and compensation for damaged property.
The union warned that failure to guarantee the safety of electricity workers nationwide would force it to withdraw services across the country.
However, the Imo State Police Command dismissed the claims, stating that no TCN personnel were abducted or held hostage. Police spokesperson DSP Henry Okoye said the incident resulted from an “operational disagreement” between electricity distribution companies and that a full investigation has been ordered by the Commissioner of Police.
The command assured residents that peace has been restored and measures have been taken to protect the facility.