Ikeja Electric attack: Union kicks, threatens to down tools
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a warning of an impending nationwide strike if authorities fail to ensure the safety and protection of its members working in the country’s power sector.
This threat follows an alleged assault by military personnel on employees of Ikeja Electric (IE) after the company disconnected power supply to a military facility over non-payment of outstanding electricity bills.
In a statement issued by the union’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, NUEE strongly condemned the attack, advising its members at Ikeja Electric to stay away from work until their safety could be guaranteed.
“Our members cannot work under brutality, intimidation, and threats to their lives,” Igwebike stated.
NUEE called for the immediate release of its abducted members and insisted that the management of Ikeja Electric, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Defence Ministry provide a formal commitment to protecting electricity workers from such incidents in the future.
The union further demanded that all damaged staff properties, including phones, laptops, and vehicles, be replaced, and that those injured during the assault receive proper medical treatment.
The union described the incident as a shocking display of gangsterism and unprofessional conduct by military personnel.
“On resumption of duty this morning, some military personnel from NAF Ikeja Base invaded the Corporate Headquarters and Oshodi Business Unit of Ikeja Electric, beating and molesting every staff in sight.
“They destroyed personal belongings such as phones, laptops, and vehicles, as well as office equipment, doors, and other gadgets.
“In addition, they abducted the Oshodi Business Unit’s Commercial Manager, another staff member, and 13 drivers along with their pickup work vehicles, taking them to their base, where they were subjected to torture and inhumane treatment.”
According to NUEE, this brutal attack was in response to the disconnection of military facilities due to unpaid electricity bills.
“The military’s action was nothing short of barbaric. Our members were simply carrying out their lawful duties, yet they were subjected to violence and terror.”
The union has vowed not to return to work until concrete steps are taken to protect electricity employees from future assaults.
“We call on the IE management, the Ministry of Power, and the Defence Ministry to rein in the military and ensure our members’ safety.
“Until these demands are met, our members will stay away from work, as we cannot operate in an environment of violence and fear.
“Should authorities fail to act, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services nationwide until our safety is assured.”
The incident has raised concerns over the welfare of electricity workers and the implications for power supply should the union proceed with its strike action.
