By Ade Oyeyemi
The National Union of Electricity Employees has threatened to shut down electricity operations nationwide over the alleged assault and detention of some of its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force in Bauchi State.
The union’s Deputy President, Rilwanu Shehu, issued the warning on Monday during a peaceful demonstration by electricity workers in Bauchi.
The protest followed an alleged invasion of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company’s operation office in Bauchi metropolis by NAF personnel on September 18.
According to Shehu, the security personnel accused the workers of disconnecting electricity supply to some NAF facilities before allegedly assaulting and detaining 10 members of the union.
He said the affected workers had been released but were currently receiving treatment at home as a result of the alleged assault.
Shehu appealed to members of the union to remain calm and law-abiding, saying the union was engaging the police and the Department of State Services to find a resolution to the dispute.
“We are scared, we are not safe and cannot continue with our activities. We give the benefit of the 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,” he said.
The union official said the workers had issued a three-day ultimatum to the authorities, beginning Monday, September 21, demanding action over the alleged assault.
He warned that failure to address the matter within the stipulated period could lead to a nationwide shutdown of electricity operations and a consequent blackout.
The union urged the relevant authorities to investigate the incident and ensure the safety of electricity workers carrying out their duties.
As of the time of filing the report, the NAF authorities in Bauchi had yet to respond to the allegations despite messages sent to them seeking their reaction.
