LAGOS, NIGERIA — The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has expressed outrage following an attack on workers of Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IE) by personnel from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Base in Ikeja.
Describing the incident as unprofessional and barbaric, NUEE condemned the actions of the military personnel, who reportedly stormed the Corporate Headquarters of Ikeja Electric and its Oshodi Business Unit, assaulting staff and vandalizing property.
In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, NUEE detailed the ordeal, stating, “On resumption of duty this morning, some military personnel from NAF Ikeja Base invaded the Corporate Headquarters and Oshodi Business Unit offices of the company, beating up and molesting every staff member they encountered.”
According to the union, the attack was triggered by the disconnection of the NAF facility due to non-payment of what was described as a “huge outstanding debt.”
The military personnel allegedly destroyed personal effects including phones, laptops, vehicles, doors, and office equipment.
Furthermore, the assailants reportedly detained the Oshodi Business Unit’s Commercial Manager along with 13 drivers, who were taken away in pickup trucks, tortured, and treated like criminals.
Union Demands Justice
In response, NUEE demanded the immediate release and medical treatment of the affected workers, the return of all confiscated or damaged personal items, and an assurance of safety for all employees.
The union also called on the IE Management, the Federal Ministry of Power, and the Ministry of Defence to intervene and prevent future occurrences.
“We unequivocally denounce this dastardly act from the military and demand the immediate release of our affected members,” Igwebike’s statement read.
“Until the safety of lives and property is assured, we will have no choice but to withdraw our services nationwide.”
At the time of reporting, sources confirmed that the 15 workers who were detained had been released, though they were in serious pain and had not received medical attention. While the company’s vehicles were returned, personal items such as phones and laptops were still missing.
Industry Reaction
Adetayo Adegbemle, Executive Director of PowerUp Nigeria, condemned the attack, urging IE to pursue legal action. “I believe what the Air Force personnel did is barbaric and should never be encouraged,” Adegbemle stated. “There should be consequences for the personnel involved, as our military is supposed to be a professional one.”
Efforts to obtain comments from the Nigerian Air Force and the Federal Ministry of Power were unsuccessful at the time of publication. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of power sector workers and the implications of military involvement in civil disputes.
The NUEE has advised its members to stay away from their offices until adequate security measures are put in place, warning of a potential nationwide strike if their demands are not met promptly. As the situation develops, calls for accountability and justice continue to mount.
