Electricity workers vow nationwide shutdown over alleged assault by soldiers
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Bauchi State has threatened to shut down power supply following alleged assaults on its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
The union’s Deputy President, Rilwanu Shehu, announced the decision during a peaceful demonstration held by workers in Bauchi on Monday. He stated that the protest was organized in response to an incident involving NAF personnel who reportedly assaulted electricity workers.
According to Shehu, soldiers entered the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) operation office in the Bauchi metropolis on September 18, asserting that the workers had disconnected electricity to NAF facilities. He claimed the soldiers assaulted and detained ten of the workers, who are now receiving medical treatment at home.
Shehu urged union members to remain calm and law-abiding while the union engages with local authorities, including the police and the Department of State Security Service (DSS), to resolve the situation.
“We are scared; we are not safe and cannot continue with our activities,” he said. “We trust that the security operatives will intervene to address this matter amicably. If nothing is done regarding the NAF personnel who assaulted our staff, we will halt activities in the electricity sector nationwide.”
The NUEE has issued a three-day ultimatum, effective from Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 25, for authorities to respond to their demands or face a total blackout.
The NAF management in Bauchi has not yet responded to the allegations despite multiple requests for comment.
