- Blackout Hits Imo As Electricity Workers Strike.
- The union accused armed police officers of invading and vandalism.
- NUEE warned of a possible nationwide shutdown.
Imo State has been thrown into sudden darkness after the National Union of Electricity Employees ordered its members to withdraw their services, citing a violent invasion of the Egbu 132/33KV Transmission Substation by armed police officers.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the union said police operatives stormed the facility, attacked workers on duty, and forced an unauthorised power outage. According to officials, the officers, alleged to be acting on behalf of the state government, broke into control rooms, vandalised equipment, and disrupted operations.
Workers on duty were reportedly held at gunpoint, assaulted, and taken to an undisclosed location. The incident sparked widespread outrage within the power sector.
In a statement issued Saturday night, NUEE’s Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, condemned the development, calling it an “act of gangsterism” carried out by armed officers. He accused the policemen of disconnecting power under duress, holding operators hostage, and destroying personal belongings, including phones, laptops, and vehicles. CCTV cameras at the substation were also said to have been vandalised.
The union demanded the immediate release of the abducted staff and called on the Transmission Company of Nigeria, the Ministry of Power, and the Inspector General of Police to guarantee the safety of electricity workers across the country. It also requested compensation for damaged property and medical care for the injured workers.
NUEE subsequently directed all its members to stay away from power installations until further notice, insisting that work cannot continue under threats to life.
The union warned that failure to address the situation promptly could lead to a nationwide shutdown of electricity services.
