The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned recent incidents of harassment and physical assault against 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 emphasised that the safety of its employees remains a top priority, reminding residents that assaulting or obstructing authorised utility personnel is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, particularly Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023.
The company expressed concern over what it termed a growing trend of hostility towards its staff during legitimate operational activities. It noted that such actions not only endanger the lives and wellbeing of workers but also disrupt electricity service delivery and pose risks to electrical installations within the affected communities.
While urging customers with complaints related to service delivery, billing, or metering to channel their grievances through official complaint platforms, the company warned that continued violence could compel it to withdraw services from communities where the safety of its personnel cannot be assured.
The company added that it would continue to engage community leaders and relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and a secure working environment for its staff.
