The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide shutdown of electricity operations following an alleged attack on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.
In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union said workers on duty were reportedly beaten, held at gunpoint, and some abducted by armed police officers allegedly acting on the orders of the state government. The officers allegedly forced entry into the substation’s control rooms, vandalised equipment, and disrupted operations.
According to the union, the assault involved disconnection of power at gunpoint, physical attacks on staff, and destruction of personal property including phones, laptops, vehicles, and CCTV cameras. Some workers were reportedly taken to an undisclosed location.
“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,” the statement read. “These officers forcibly invaded and vandalised the control rooms in an attempt to compel operators to grant an illegal outage.”
The union has directed its members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice and warned that it may withdraw services nationwide if authorities fail to guarantee the safety of electricity workers.
NUEE also demanded the immediate release of abducted staff, replacement of damaged property, and medical attention for assaulted employees. The statement further called for formal assurances from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to prevent further attacks.
“Failure to address these issues promptly will leave the union with no alternative but to withdraw our services nationwide until adequate safety and protection are secured at all workplaces,” the union warned.
