Nationwide power shutdown looms as NUEE protests alleged police assault on workers
The country may soon face a major power crisis as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide shutdown following an alleged attack on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.
According to News Point Nigeria, the union has already ordered its members to suspend power supply operations across Imo State after workers on duty were reportedly beaten, held at gunpoint, and abducted by armed police officers said to be acting on orders from the state government.
The incident has sparked outrage within the power sector, with NUEE warning that it may withdraw services nationwide unless immediate steps are taken to ensure the safety of electricity workers nationwide.
The police officers allegedly forced their way into the substation, vandalised critical equipment, and disrupted operations. Workers were said to have been assaulted, threatened with firearms, and forcibly taken to an undisclosed location.
Read also:AEDC lays off 800 workers amid Nigeria’s power sector turmoil
In a statement issued late Saturday, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, condemned what he described as “gangsterism and unprofessional conduct” by the police.
He said the officers invaded the control rooms in a bid to compel operators to carry out an illegal outage, disconnecting power at gunpoint and holding staff hostage. He added that personal property—including phones, laptops, vehicles—and CCTV cameras were destroyed during the attack.
NUEE demanded the immediate release of abducted workers, a formal commitment from TCN, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure workers’ safety, and the replacement of all damaged property. The union also insisted that all assaulted staff receive full medical attention.
The union has directed its members to stay away from work until safety is guaranteed, warning that failure to act quickly will force a total nationwide shutdown of electricity services.
Follow the Neptune Prime channel on WhatsApp:
Do you have breaking news, interview request, opinion, suggestion, or want your event covered? Email us at neptuneprime2233@gmail.com
