Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Shutdown After Alleged Police Assault in Imo State

Nigeria may be heading for another power crisis as the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to shut down electricity operations across the country. This comes after workers of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were allegedly attacked by armed police officers at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation in Imo State.

According to a statement released by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the officers—reportedly acting on the orders of the state government—stormed the facility, forcefully entered the control rooms, and vandalised critical equipment.

Workers Held at Gunpoint, Some Abducted

The union claims the police officers:

Held electricity workers hostage at gunpoint

Forced them to open breakers under duress

Disconnected power illegally

Beat and assaulted staff on duty

Destroyed phones, laptops, cars, and CCTV cameras

Abducted some workers to an unknown location

NUEE described the incident as “barbaric, brutal, and unacceptable,” warning that staff safety has been compromised beyond tolerance.

Power Supply Halted in Imo

In response to the attack, the union has directed all electricity workers in Imo State to stop operations immediately until security and safety are assured.

Nationwide Strike Imminent

The union is demanding:

Immediate release of abducted staff

Replacement of destroyed equipment and personal items

A formal guarantee of safety from TCN, the Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police

Medical treatment for assaulted workers

NUEE warned that if these demands are not addressed promptly, it will have no choice but to withdraw services across the entire country, a move that could plunge Nigeria into a nationwide blackout.

Union’s Final Warning

Part of the statement reads:

“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.”

With tension rising and no official response yet from authorities, Nigerians may soon feel the impact if a nationwide shutdown is implemented.