Follow Us on Google
The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to escalate its ongoing industrial action nationwide following the alleged brutalisation and arrest of its Edo State Chairman, Comrade William Uwumarogie, and another member, Comrade Matthew Eromobor, by security operatives in Benin City.
The threat was given by David Ehigiamusoe, the Vice President, West, NUEE, for NUEE Zonal Leadership in Benin City while reacting to the assault of his members.
The union alleged that the incident occurred between 7:20 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, when armed military and police personnel invaded the headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) along Akpakpava Road, where members were mounting guard as part of their industrial action over unresolved labour issues.
According to NUEE, the two men were allegedly assaulted, arrested, and taken to an undisclosed location, while their mobile phones and personal belongings were confiscated.
They were reportedly released around 1:00 a.m. on Friday and are currently receiving medical treatment.
Condemning the incident as an act of intimidation and a violation of an earlier conciliatory agreement reached with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the union demanded the immediate withdrawal of security personnel from the BEDC headquarters, adequate medical care for the victims, and the unconditional return of their confiscated belongings within 24 hours.
The union warned that failure to meet its demands would leave it with no option but to extend the industrial action nationwide, holding the Edo State Government and BEDC responsible for any breakdown of industrial peace arising from the dispute.
“We call on all our members within BEDC in Edo State to remain committed to the struggle. If after this notice, their personal belongings are not returned and military personnel at BEDC are not withdrawn, we would have no option than to escalate the industrial action nationwide”, Ehigiamusoe said.
Speaking further, the NUEE’s zonal leadership accused the authorities of adopting what it described as a “Gestapo-style” approach to labour relations, warning that the alleged harassment and intimidation of union leaders would only worsen the crisis.
The union insisted that the dispute could be resolved through dialogue, urging the Edo State Government and relevant stakeholders to address the outstanding labour issues rather than resort to force.
Explaining why the industrial dispute had persisted in Edo State despite progress in Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states, NUEE cited unresolved concerns over the state’s electricity regulatory framework, the treatment of BEDC workers, and the alleged failure to adequately consult the union on matters affecting its members.
The union also raised concerns about workers’ welfare, remuneration, and the demanding nature of electricity-sector employment, insisting that its members deserved fair treatment and recognition for their round-the-clock service.
NUEE, an affiliate of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), reaffirmed its readiness to negotiate, stressing that an immediate resolution was possible if the parties involved demonstrated genuine commitment to dialogue.
