The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned recent incidents of harassment and physical assault on its personnel in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Jalingo, Taraba State.
In a statement issued on Monday by its Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, the company 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 stressed that the safety of its employees remained a top priority, reminding residents that assaulting or obstructing authorised utility personnel is a criminal offence under Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023.
The company expressed concern over what it described as 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 force it to withdraw services from communities where the safety of its personnel could not be guaranteed.
YEDC 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.
