The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to extend its ongoing industrial action in Edo State into a nationwide strike over the alleged assault and arrest of two union members by security operatives in Benin City.
The union said on Friday, October 23, that it had given the relevant security personnel 24 hours to return the phones and personal belongings of its Edo State chairman, William Uwumarogie, and another member, Matthew Eromobor. It also demanded the withdrawal of security personnel from the headquarters of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
According to the union, the two men were arrested on Thursday night while members were keeping vigil at BEDC’s headquarters on Akpakpava Road as part of an industrial action over unresolved labour issues, including remuneration, workplace safety and working conditions.
The union alleged that a combined team of military and police personnel forcefully arrested and assaulted the two men and seized their belongings. It said they were released in the early hours of Friday but remained in hospital receiving medical attention.
These allegations have not been independently established as findings of misconduct against the personnel involved.
The industrial action began on Monday and initially affected Edo, Delta, Ondo and Ekiti states, which are covered by BEDC. Following a meeting in Abuja reportedly mediated by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammadu Dingyadi, the union was said to have suspended the strike in the other three states, leaving Edo as the remaining affected state.
Addressing journalists, NUEE Vice-President West, David Ehigiamusoe, said the union considered the reported incident a violation of the conciliatory process and warned that the dispute could spread if its demands were not met.
The union urged its members working with BEDC in Edo State to sustain the industrial action until their grievances were addressed. It warned that failure to return the seized belongings and withdraw security personnel from the company’s premises could trigger nationwide action.
The dispute raises concerns about workplace safety, the treatment of workers during industrial disputes and the need to resolve labour grievances through lawful and established processes.
A nationwide escalation could affect electricity-sector operations beyond Edo State, making a timely and lawful resolution important for workers, the distribution company and electricity consumers. Related news
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