Tension In Edo As NLC Accuses Okpebholo Government Of Using Soldiers Against Electricity Workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an investigation into an alleged night raid on electricity workers at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) headquarters in Benin City, Edo State, accusing the state government of using force to handle an ongoing industrial dispute.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the labour union alleged that military personnel and suspected thugs carried out the operation on Thursday, October 22, during which several workers were reportedly arrested and assaulted. The congress accused the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo of orchestrating the incident, although the allegations have not been independently verified.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 23, and signed by the NLC Acting General Secretary, Benson Upah, the congress confirmed that the arrested workers, including the state chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), William Uwumarogie, had been released.

However, Uwumarogie was reportedly receiving medical treatment for injuries he allegedly sustained during the operation at the BEDC headquarters on Akpakpava Road in Benin City.

The NLC said the workers had been protecting their livelihoods when the alleged raid occurred. It condemned the incident, arguing that disagreements between employers, government authorities and organised labour should be resolved through dialogue and established industrial relations procedures rather than force.

The dispute reportedly arose from industrial action by NUEE over demands for improved working conditions and employment terms. The NLC maintained that the issues could have been addressed through negotiations instead of the alleged use of violence against union members.

The congress also accused the Edo State Government of showing hostility towards organised labour, citing what it described as the unlawful occupation of the NLC state secretariat. It claimed that the matter had attracted the attention of the International Labour Organization.

The labour body further questioned the alleged timing of the operation, claiming that government representatives had requested additional time to resolve industrial relations issues during a meeting with the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday evening, shortly before the reported incident in Benin City.

Among its demands, the NLC called on the Edo State Government to apologise for the alleged violence, end the use of force in industrial disputes and stop actions it said undermined the reputation of the country. It also demanded an end to the alleged diversion of workers’ check-off dues and called for adequate medical care for Uwumarogie and other workers reportedly injured during the operation.

The congress said Governor Okpebholo should be held accountable for ensuring the affected workers receive proper treatment and recover fully. It also urged military authorities to investigate the alleged involvement of soldiers and discipline any personnel found to have acted unlawfully.

Reaffirming its support for NUEE, the NLC declared solidarity with the union and said its affiliates and civil society allies had been placed on alert.

As of the time the original report was published, neither the Edo State Government nor the military had issued an official response to the allegations.