The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a stark ultimatum to the Federal Government, threatening to plunge the entire nation into a total power blackout following an alleged “brutal and barbaric” invasion of a transmission substation in Imo State by armed police officers.
The union, in a strongly-worded statement on Tuesday, alleged that its members were beaten, held at gunpoint, and abducted by officers acting “on the orders of the Imo State government,” a situation it described as an unacceptable act of “gangsterism.”
The crisis stems from an incident at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Owerri. According to the NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, armed police officers forcibly entered the facility’s control rooms, vandalised critical equipment, and disrupted power operations.
Igwebike stated that workers on duty were violently assaulted. “The officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint and held all staff on duty hostage, forcing them to open breakers under duress,” the statement read.
It further detailed a scene of chaos and violence: “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.”
The union confirmed that an unspecified number of its members were taken away by the police to an unknown location.
In immediate retaliation, the NUEE has directed its members to completely halt electricity supply operations across Imo State. However, the union has signalled a far more severe, nationwide disruption is imminent if its demands are not met.
“Consequently, NUEE directs all members to stay away from the office until further notice, as we cannot continue to work under conditions of brutality, intimidation, and threats to life,” Igwebike declared.
The union has presented a list of non-negotiable demands to authorities, including the immediate and unconditional release of the abducted workers. It is also demanding a formal written undertaking from the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police guaranteeing the safety and protection of electricity workers at all sites.
Furthermore, the NUEE insists on the full replacement of all damaged staff property and that all assaulted workers receive comprehensive medical attention.
The statement warned unequivocally, “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.”
