BENIN CITY, NIGERIA — The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised alarm over an alleged violent assault and temporary detention of electricity workers at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) corporate headquarters, demanding an immediate investigation into the incident.
The intervention follows a late-night raid at the BEDC facility along Akpakpava Road, Benin City, where state Chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade William Uwumarogie, was allegedly battered alongside fellow unionists by armed operatives. Uwumarogie is currently receiving treatment at a medical facility for injuries sustained during the clash.
Reacting through official statements, the NLC condemned the deployment of security personnel and armed actors against workers carrying out peaceful picketing. The labour body emphasized that industrial disputes must be settled through structured negotiations rather than force, warning that intimidation of trade union leaders threatens peaceful industrial relations across the state.
Recounting the incident from his hospital bed, NUEE Edo State Chairman Comrade William Uwumarogie detailed the moment security personnel confronted workers at the picketing site:
“We were under the canopy in front of the BEDC facility at about 7:00 p.m. when a group arrived. We did not know they brought armed security, and one of them slapped me. I tried to run but was stopped and assaulted. The strike continues because an agreement exists between BEDC, the union, and the Federal Ministry of Labour, and we are acting on that basis.”
Issuing a firm demand for accountability and institutional restraint, NLC Acting General Secretary Comrade Benson Upah stated:
“We demand a full investigation into this night operation against workers who were lawfully defending their livelihoods. The military hierarchy must investigate the personnel involved in this raid, and the state government must end the use of force in industrial disputes, guarantee medical care for injured workers, and respect clear channels of legitimate representation.”
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