Power minister, Adelabu
The nation’s electricity supply may face a major crisis as the National Union of Electricity Employees, NUEE, has threatened a nationwide shutdown, following an alleged attack on the staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria, TCN, by armed police officers at Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.The union, in reaction to what it described as a “brutal invasion,” has already directed its members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.
NUEE said the decision became necessary after workers on duty were allegedly beaten, held hostage at gunpoint, and some abducted by police officers said to be acting on the orders of the state.
The incident has ignited widespread outrage within the power sector, with the union warning that it would withdraw services nationwide unless authorities took immediate action to guarantee the safety and protection of electricity workers across the country.
The police, said to be acting on behalf of the state, reportedly entered the substation’s control rooms by force, vandalising equipment and disrupting operations.
Workers on duty were allegedly held at gunpoint, assaulted, while some were abducted to an undisclosed location.
A statement by NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, late Saturday night, read: “NUEE expresses deep shock and outrage over the level of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct displayed today (yesterday) 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 in an attempt to compel operators to grant an illegal outage.
“During the invasion, the officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint and held all staff on duty hostage, forcing them to open breakers under duress.
“They further unleashed violence on our members, beating, molesting and assaulting every staff member in sight. Personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, were destroyed, while CCTV cameras were also vandalised. Vanguard
