Bauchi Power Workers Threaten Nationwide Shutdown Over Alleged Air Force Assault
BAUCHI — The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) in Bauchi State has threatened to shut down electricity supply across Nigeria following the alleged invasion and assault of its members by personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
Deputy President of the union, Rilwanu Shehu, made the declaration on Monday during a peaceful demonstration by electricity workers in Bauchi metropolis. He said the protest was staged against the alleged attack on members of the union by NAF personnel.
According to Shehu, some soldiers invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) Operation Office in Bauchi on September 18. The soldiers allegedly accused the electricity workers of disconnecting power to NAF facilities.
He stated that the soldiers assaulted and detained 10 electricity workers. The victims are currently receiving treatment at home.
Shehu urged members to remain calm and law-abiding while the union engages the police and the Department of State Services (DSS) to resolve the matter.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
The union has issued a three-day ultimatum running from Monday, September 21, to Wednesday, September 25. If the authorities fail to address the matter within the period, the union said it would enforce a total blackout.
The NAF management in Bauchi had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report, despite messages sent to them.