From Umar Dankano, Yola.
Following reported incidents of physical assaults and harassment, the Yola Elect ricity Distribution Company(YEDC) has condemned in strongest terms any act of intimidation and harassment of its staff.
Communications officer of the company Blessing Tunoh made the position public in a press statement issued in Yola on Monday stressing that the physical assault mated on its personnel in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of jalingo in Taraba state.
The company described the attacks on its staff a “unacceptable”, noting that the affected employees were carrying out lawful duties, including ongoing metering exercises, fault clearing, revenue collection, and prepaid meter monitoring.
According to the statement, the YEDC values the safety and welfare of its workers as a top priority emphasizing that, the grievances relating to electricity supply, billing, or metering should be channeled through official complaint mechanisms rather than through violence or intimidation.
It further (YEDC) assured customers that it will continue to engage community leaders and relevant authorities to ensure the safe and efficient delivery of electricity services reminding residents that assaulting or obstructing authorized utility personnel constitutes a criminal offence under Section 220 (1) of the Electricity Act 2023.
“The Yola Electricity Distribution compan y (YEDC) has strongly condemned recent incidents of harassment and physical assault against its personnel in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Jalingo, Taraba State.
“The company expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of hostility toward field staff during legitimate operational activities. It warned that such actions not only endanger employees but also disrupt service delivery and pose risks to electrical installations in the affected communities
“The company reminded residents that assaulting or obstructing authorized utility personnel constitutes a criminal offence under Section 220 (1) of the Electricity Act 2023”. The statement warned
While urging customers to seek approved means of redress, the company cautioned that continued violence could compel it to withdraw services from communities where staff safety cannot be guaranteed.
