The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide shutdown following claims that staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were assaulted by armed police officers in Imo State.
In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union said the incident occurred at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation, where workers on duty were reportedly beaten, held at gunpoint, and some abducted. The officers were said to have acted on the orders of the state government.
According to the union, the police forcibly entered the control rooms, damaged equipment, and disrupted operations. Workers were allegedly threatened, assaulted, and taken to an unknown location. Personal belongings such as phones, laptops, vehicles, and CCTV cameras were also reported destroyed.
Following the incident, NUEE directed its members to stop power supply operations in Imo State until further notice. The union also warned that it would extend the shutdown nationwide if urgent steps were not taken to ensure the safety of electricity workers.
NUEE condemned what it described as “gangsterism and unprofessional conduct” by the police and demanded the immediate release of the abducted workers. It also called on TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to provide assurances that such incidents would not happen again.
The union further insisted that all damaged staff property be replaced and that the assaulted workers receive full medical care. Until these conditions are met, it has instructed members to stay away from their duty posts, saying they cannot continue working under threats, violence, and intimidation.
NUEE warned that failure to address the situation promptly may lead to a total withdrawal of electricity services across the country.
