BENIN CITY, Edo State — Tension reportedly erupted in Benin City on Thursday night following the alleged arrest of the Edo State Chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade William Uwumarogie, and other union members by security operatives amid the ongoing industrial action over unresolved labour disputes with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
According to a situation report from the NUEE Zonal Leadership, the incident occurred between 7:20 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the BEDC headquarters on Akpakpava Road, Benin City.
The report stated that union officials were at the facility in connection with the ongoing industrial action when security operatives, who reportedly arrived in a Toyota Hiace bus, took them into custody.
Video clips circulating on social media appear to show a physical altercation between security personnel and some individuals present at the scene during the incident.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the security agencies involved nor BEDC management had issued an official statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the reported arrests or disclosing the whereabouts of the detained union members.
Strike Continues in Edo as Other States Suspend Action
The reported arrests come amid an ongoing industrial dispute between electricity workers and BEDC, which has disrupted electricity-related services and left many residents and businesses grappling with the consequences of the prolonged action.
The development also follows reports that the Delta, Ekiti and Ondo branches of the union called off their industrial actions on Wednesday, leaving Edo State as the remaining flashpoint in the dispute.
The decision by the three branches to suspend their actions had raised hopes of relief for electricity consumers in the affected areas. However, the continued industrial action in Edo has left residents and businesses in parts of the state facing persistent power supply challenges.
Residents and other inhabitants had earlier expressed frustration over the hardship caused by the strike, lamenting the impact of the prolonged blackout on household activities, commercial operations and essential services.
Small business owners, particularly those who depend on electricity to operate equipment and preserve perishable goods, have been among those affected, while residents have continued to bear the inconvenience associated with the disruption in power supply.
The continued disagreement between the union and BEDC has therefore heightened concerns over when normal electricity-related services will fully resume in Edo State.
Uncertainty Over Arrests, Strike Resolution
The reported arrest of Uwumarogie and other union members has added another layer of tension to the dispute, with questions emerging over the circumstances of the operation and its possible implications for ongoing efforts to resolve the labour disagreement.
It remains unclear whether the arrests will further escalate the industrial action or prompt renewed engagement between the union, BEDC management and relevant authorities.
As residents continue to endure the effects of the disruption, attention is now focused on an official response from the security agencies and BEDC management, as well as possible steps toward resolving the dispute and restoring normalcy.
This report will be updated as more verified information becomes available.
