YEDC Condemns Assault on Staff in Taraba Communities, Warns of Possible Service Withdrawal
By Ojoma Yusuf,Yola
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned the alleged 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 members were carrying out lawful duties at the time of the incidents. These duties included 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. The company reminded residents that assaulting or obstructing authorized utility personnel constitutes a criminal offence under Nigerian law, particularly under Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023.
The company also 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 within affected communities.
While urging customers with complaints related to service delivery, billing or metering to make use of official complaint platforms, YEDC warned that continued violence could force 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 workforce.