The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned the harassment and physical assault of its personnel in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities in Jalingo, Taraba State.
In a statement signed by Blessing Tunoh, Communications Officer, Yola Electricity Distribution, the company described the attacks on its staff as unacceptable and warned that such actions would not be tolerated.
According to YEDC, the affected workers were carrying out lawful duties, including ongoing metering exercises, fault clearing, revenue collection, and prepaid meter monitoring, when they were allegedly attacked.
The company emphasized that the safety of its employees remains a top priority, noting that assaulting or obstructing authorized utility personnel is a criminal offence under Section 220, Subsection 1 of the Electricity Act 2023.
YEDC urged residents with grievances related to electricity supply, billing, or metering to channel their complaints through official platforms rather than resorting to violence. It expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of hostility toward its staff during legitimate operational activities.
The distribution company warned that such actions not only endanger the lives of its employees but also disrupt service delivery and pose risks to electrical infrastructure within affected communities.
YEDC stated that it would continue to engage community leaders and relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity services and the safety of its workforce.
The company further advised customers to always seek approved means of redress to resolve complaints, cautioning that continued violence could force it to withdraw services from affected areas.