The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has issued a stern warning to cut off the power supply in Etche Local Government Area, Rivers State, following a violent attack on one of its members, Gboro Benjamin.
The association has called for immediate action, threatening a shutdown if the attackers are not apprehended.
Benjamin, an Occupational Health and Safety Officer with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED), was brutally assaulted by residents while conducting an official meter check in Umuebule IV, Etche. The incident occurred during an inspection aimed at preventing meter bypasses in the area, particularly at a residence connected to meter number 0124000344273.
Innocent Lord-Douglas, the Deputy General Secretary of SSAEAC for South East and South South regions, disclosed the details while speaking to journalists in Port Harcourt. He explained that Benjamin was attacked after requesting access to check the meter of a customer named Nnabuike George, which was reportedly shared with a local bar.
During the inspection, the homeowner became irate and physically assaulted Benjamin, pushing him from the stool he was standing on. Her son then escalated the situation by hitting Benjamin in the eye with a club, while hoodlums from a nearby beer bar joined in the attack. Other PHED staff members present were also assaulted during the incident.
Lord-Douglas noted that despite reporting the incident to the police, the Investigating Police Officer, Innocent Ogbekile, allegedly a friend of the woman involved, dismissed the case. Ogbekile reportedly threatened further mob attacks if PHED employees attempted to cut off the power supply in the area.
SSAEAC has since issued a four-day ultimatum, demanding the arrest of the attackers or face a complete shutdown of electricity in Etche. Lord-Douglas emphasized that the union will not tolerate unprovoked assaults on its members and vowed to take further action if necessary.
“If that woman is not arrested between yesterday and Monday, we will shut down the entire Etche Local Government. We will not allow a community to enjoy power supply while attacking our members doing their legitimate jobs,” Lord-Douglas stated.
The association further warned that if the situation remains unresolved, they may extend the shutdown to other parts of Rivers State.
