The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned the harassment and physical assault of its personnel in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Jalingo, Taraba State.
In a statement issued on Monday to journalists in the state, the company’s Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, described the attacks as unacceptable and warned that such actions would not be tolerated.
According to the statement, the affected staff were carrying out lawful duties, including an ongoing metering exercise, fault clearing, revenue collection and prepaid monitoring, when they were allegedly assaulted.
YEDC stressed that the safety of its employees remains a top priority, reminding residents that assaulting or obstructing authorized utility personnel constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law, particularly Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023.
The company expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of hostility toward its staff during legitimate operational activities. It noted that such incidents not only endanger the lives and wellbeing of workers but also disrupt electricity service delivery and pose risks to electrical installations in the affected communities.
While urging customers with complaints relating to service delivery, billing or metering to use official complaint platforms, YEDC warned that continued violence could compel it to withdraw services from communities where the safety of its personnel cannot be guaranteed.
The company added that it would continue to engage community leaders and relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and provide a secure working environment for its staff.