Electricity Workers Threaten Power Shutdown Over Assault on Member

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has issued a stern warning, threatening to cut power supply across Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State, following an attack on one of their members. The victim, Gboro Benjamin, an employee of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), was assaulted by local residents while performing his official duties.

Innocent Lord-Douglas, the SSAEAC Deputy General Secretary for the South East and South South regions, disclosed this during a press briefing in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

According to Lord-Douglas, the incident occurred when Benjamin was inspecting prepaid meters at Diamond Estate, Umuebule IV, Etche, to identify potential meter bypasses—a rampant issue in the area. While checking the meter of a customer, Nnabuike George, which was allegedly being shared with a nearby bar, the situation escalated.

The SSAEAC representative detailed how the female occupant of the premises grew agitated during the inspection, pushing Benjamin off a stool and calling her son. The son, along with other individuals described as “hoodlums,” then attacked Benjamin, striking him in the eye and continuing the assault.

Benjamin’s colleagues, who were nearby inspecting other meters, attempted to intervene, but they too were assaulted. Among those attacked was a female PHEDC staff member.

Lord-Douglas emphasized that the attack was reported to PHEDC officials, who sought police intervention. However, the situation worsened when an investigating officer, identified as Innocent Ogbekile, allegedly downplayed the assault and even threatened PHEDC’s Chief Security Officer with mob violence should the power supply be cut.

The SSAEAC has now issued a four-day ultimatum demanding the arrest of the woman involved. If this demand is not met, the union plans to shut off the electricity supply to the entire Etche Local Government Area.

“We will not tolerate any unprovoked attack on our members carrying out their legitimate duties,” Lord-Douglas stated, adding that the union is prepared to escalate the situation further if necessary, potentially disrupting power across Rivers State.

The union vowed to ensure that justice is served, insisting that no community would continue to enjoy electricity supply after attacking PHEDC workers performing their lawful responsibilities.