Security operatives from the Edo State Police Command have seized control of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) headquarters in Benin City, following the detention of members belonging to the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) who initiated an industrial strike.
Recall that the NUEE embarked on a strike on October 19, 2026, over the non-implementation of the minimum wage, salary harmonisation and increments, stagnation in promotions, among other grievances.
The strike resulted in a blackout across BEDC’s franchise states.
Daily Trust learnt that the police stormed the BEDC headquarters late Thursday, where the union members had stationed themselves to press home their demands, and whisked them away.
Our reporter, who visited the office located on Akpakpava Road on Thursday, observed more than 10 policemen and five vehicles stationed in the area, including a vehicle mounted with a submachine gun.
Daily Trust also observed that the police had cordoned off the area, preventing residents from accessing the road leading to Forestry and Mission Road Market.
Some motorists who attempted to use the road were reportedly turned back.
One of the protesting workers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said the union members were at the gate of the head office monitoring the strike when security operatives stormed the area, assaulted the union officials and whisked them away.
He lamented that the workers did not know the whereabouts of the arrested union officials.
He also accused the BEDC management of orchestrating their arrest and using the police to harass and intimidate workers into abandoning the protest.
He alleged that the management had been threatening to arrest the union officials, claiming they were behind the protest.
Meanwhile, efforts to obtain a response from the police were unsuccessful, as the spokesperson for the Edo State Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, had yet to respond to messages sent to her as of the time of filing this report.
Also the Head of Branding and Corporate Communication of BEDC Electricity, Mrs. Evelyn Gbiwen, could not be reached for comment at the time of filing this report.
What You Should Know
Members of the National Union of Electricity Employees embarked on a strike over grievances including unpaid minimum wage increases, salary harmonization, and promotion delays, resulting in widespread blackouts across BEDC franchise states. Security forces subsequently stormed the company headquarters, cordoned off the area, and detained protesting union officials, leaving workers and motorists facing movement restrictions.
- Positive Impact: Prompt intervention by security forces aims to maintain public order and prevent potential escalation around critical utility infrastructure during the labor dispute.
- Potential Concerns: The arrest of union officials and ongoing strike actions could further disrupt electricity supply, deepen tensions between management and workers, and prolong regional power outages for residents.
