The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to shut down electricity operations nationwide over the alleged assault and detention of its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) in Bauchi State.
The threat followed the alleged invasion of the Bauchi office of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc by NAF personnel on September 18, after the company disconnected power to NAF residential quarters along Ningi Road over prolonged non-payment of electricity bills.
NUEE members staged a protest in Bauchi on Monday, demanding action against the personnel allegedly involved in the incident and assurances for the safety of electricity workers.
Speaking during the protest, Deputy President-General (North) of the Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) Rilwanu Shehu, said the union would be forced to ground electricity operations across the country if the matter was not resolved.
He said: “We are scared, we are not safe and cannot continue with our activities. We give benefits of doubt to the security operatives, the police and DSS to intervene and resolve the matter amicably.
“We will ground the activities of the electricity industry in the entire nation, if nothing is done to the NAF men, who assaulted our staff.”
The union alleged that NAF personnel invaded the JED operation office after electricity supply was disconnected to the Air Force residential quarters, assaulting and detaining workers in the process.
NUEE had earlier alleged that the State Operating Officer of JED, Samaila Isa Bukar, and other workers were taken to the Air Force barracks, while their phones and other personal belongings were seized.
The union also alleged that the affected workers were forced to reconnect electricity supply to the NAF quarters before they were released.
JED had earlier condemned what it described as an invasion of its Bauchi office, saying the incident occurred after the company disconnected electricity to the NAF residential quarters over accumulated debt.
According to JED, the NAF facility had an outstanding electricity bill of ₦196,730,844.
NUEE subsequently demanded an investigation into the incident, prosecution of any personnel found culpable and adequate protection for electricity workers.
The union had also warned that its members could withdraw from the JED Bauchi office if their safety was not guaranteed by Wednesday, September 23.
