BEDC Strike: NUEE alleges abduction, brutalisation of Edo chairman, threatens nationwide strike
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has condemned the alleged abduction and mistreatment of its Edo State chairman and another member by suspected security personnel.
Engr. David Ehigiamuose, the Zonal Vice Chairman for the West Zone, made the remarks during a press briefing in Benin City on October 23, 2026. The West Zone includes Edo, Delta, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Kwara, and Oyo states.
In a statement titled “Abduction, Brutalisation and Arrest of NUEE Edo State Chairman and Others,” Ehigiamuose reported that Comrade William Uwumarogie, the Edo State chairman, and Comrade Mathew Eromobor were taken between 7:20 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on October 22. At the time, union members were guarding the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) headquarters on Akpakpava Road as part of an ongoing industrial action addressing unresolved issues with the company.
Ehigiamuose alleged that a group of armed security personnel arrived in a Toyota Hiace bus and a Hilux van, raiding the BEDC headquarters in what he characterized as a “Gestapo-style operation.” He expressed the union’s deep concern over the alleged abduction, mistreatment, and arrest of the officials.
“The team, consisting of mobile policemen, regular police officers, and Nigerian Army personnel, attacked, brutalized, arrested, and whisked them away to an unknown location. Their phones and personal belongings were seized by the military personnel, and they were treated like criminals,” he said. He emphasized that this incident violated an earlier conciliatory resolution reached in a meeting with the Minister of Labour and Employment in Abuja, which mandated that no worker should face victimization.
Ehigiamuose stated that Uwumarogie and Eromobor were released around 1:00 a.m. on October 23, after allegedly enduring severe mistreatment, and are currently receiving medical care at an undisclosed hospital.
He further noted that union members awoke to find a heavily armed contingent of military and police personnel stationed at BEDC headquarters, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a military conflict. The union is demanding the immediate withdrawal of military personnel from the site as well as adequate medical treatment for the affected members. Additionally, they seek the return of the confiscated personal items within 24 hours.
While urging union members in Edo State to remain committed to their cause, Ehigiamuose warned that the NUEE might escalate its industrial action nationwide if the demands are not met. He stressed that the Edo State Government and BEDC management should be held accountable for any disturbances to industrial peace stemming from this incident.
In response to inquiries, Army spokesperson Kennedy Anyanwu stated that the incident does not involve the Army, denying any involvement in the arrest of the union leader. Efforts to reach the Edo State Police Command for comment were unsuccessful, as spokesperson ASP Eno Ikoedem had not responded to calls or messages at the time of publication.
