BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened to expand its regional industrial action into a total nationwide blackout following the alleged brutalization and arrest of its Edo State Chairman, Comrade William Uwumarogie, and fellow union member, Comrade Matthew Eromobor, by security forces in Benin City.
The warning was issued during an emergency press briefing in Benin City by NUEE Vice President (West Zone), Comrade David Ehigiamusoe, who spoke on behalf of the union’s regional leadership.
According to the union, the incident unfolded between 7:20 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, 2026, when armed military and police personnel invaded the corporate headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) along Akpakpava Road. Union workers were actively mounting guard at the facility as part of an ongoing strike over unresolved labor grievances and worker welfare issues when security operatives raided the location.
Condemning the high-handed tactics used against union members, Comrade David Ehigiamusoe outlined the circumstances of the encounter:
“While our members were mounting guard at the BEDC Head Office, Akpakpava Road, Benin City, in continuation of the legitimate industrial action against BEDC Management over unresolved labour issues, a team of military personnel arrived in a Toyota Hiace Bus.”
Detailing the union’s core demands and warning federal and state authorities against further intimidation, Comrade David Ehigiamusoe added:
“The military personnel occupying the BEDC head office must be withdrawn immediately. If our personal belongings are not returned and armed personnel are not pulled back from the facility, we will have no option than to escalate the industrial action nationwide.”
Warning of the severe consequences if security forces are not withdrawn from power facilities, Comrade David Ehigiamusoe concluded:
“The Edo State Government and the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) should be held responsible for any breakdown of industrial peace arising from this provocation. This is not a threat!”
You Might Also Like
