The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has threatened a nationwide shutdown following an alleged attack on staff of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) in Imo State.

In a statement issued by its Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the union said the action became necessary after workers on duty at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation were allegedly beaten, held hostage at gunpoint, and some abducted by armed police officers allegedly on the orders of the State government.

According to the union, the police officers forcefully entered the control rooms, vandalised equipment and disrupted operations. Workers were reportedly held at gunpoint, assaulted, and taken to an undisclosed location.

The union said it has already directed its members to halt power supply operations in Imo State until further notice.

It further warned that it would withdraw services nationwide unless authorities took immediate action to guarantee the safety and protection of electricity workers across the country.