Electricity Workers Threaten Nationwide Blackout over Alleged Air Force Assault

Electricity workers have threatened to shut down power sector operations nationwide over the alleged assault, arrest and humiliation of 10 Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) workers by Nigerian Air Force personnel in Bauchi State.

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) issued a three-day ultimatum to authorities on Monday, demanding action over the alleged incident.

National Deputy President of SSAEAC, Rilwanu Shehu, gave the ultimatum during a protest in Bauchi, warning that the union would ground electricity sector operations across the country if the matter was not resolved by September 23.

The alleged incident occurred on September 18 after JED disconnected electricity to the Nigerian Air Force quarters along the Ningi-Kano Road over unpaid electricity bills.

Shehu alleged that Air Force personnel subsequently invaded the JED operation office, arrested 10 workers and took them to an undisclosed location, where they were allegedly assaulted.

He said some of the affected workers were receiving medical treatment following the alleged maltreatment.

According to Shehu, JED had notified the Air Force authorities before disconnecting the quarters over the unpaid electricity bills.

He said the union was giving the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) the opportunity to intervene and resolve the matter, but warned that failure to act would trigger a nationwide shutdown of electricity sector activities.

Shehu said SSAEAC would also pursue legal channels to protect its members and seek justice over the alleged incident.

Meanwhile, Bauchi branch chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Sikamta Mshelinga, said electricity workers would remain at home and withdraw their services pending further directives from the union’s national leadership.

The leadership of SSAEAC and NUEE, accompanied by officials of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Workers’ Union (RATTAWU), had earlier visited the Bauchi Commissioner of Police and the state Director of the DSS.

The unions urged the security agencies to investigate the allegations and intervene to resolve the dispute.