The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to withdraw services if the alleged attack on the staff of the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in Imo state is not promptly addressed by relevant stakeholders.
In a statement on Sunday by Dominic Igwebike, NUEE’s acting general secretary, the union said the action became necessary after workers on duty at the Egbu 132/33kV transmission substation were allegedly beaten, held at gunpoint, and some were abducted.
On November 15, the NISO said some of its staff members were missing after gun-wielding “Imo state operatives” allegedly invaded the transmission substation.
NISO said the officials broke into the control rooms in an attempt to “force the operators to grant illegal outage”.
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Reacting to the development, NUEE expressed shock and outrage over the unprofessional conduct displayed 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,” the union said.
“During the invasion, the officers allegedly disconnected power at gunpoint and held all staff on duty hostage, forcing them to open breakers under duress.
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“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.”
According to the association, the “police officers” executed the “brutal and barbaric assault” on innocent workers, abducting them to an undisclosed location.
“NUEE strongly condemns this reprehensible act and demands the immediate release of our abducted members. We also call for a formal undertaking from TCN management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure the protection of our members,” the statement reads.
“Additionally, we demand the immediate replacement of all staff property damaged or taken away, and insist that all assaulted workers be provided with full medical attention.
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“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. Work can only resume when the safety of staff and property is fully guaranteed.”
Failure to address the issues promptly, the union said, will lead to withdrawal of “our services nationwide until adequate safety and protection are secured at all workplaces”.
