Blackout: Police Storm BEDC HQ in Benin, Arrest NUEE Officials Over Strike

Operatives of the Edo State Police Command have taken over the headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Benin City following the reported arrest of officials of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) amid an ongoing industrial action.

The union began its strike on October 19, 2026, over alleged failure to implement the minimum wage, salary harmonisation and increments, stagnation in promotions, among other grievances.

The industrial action disrupted electricity supply across BEDC’s franchise states, resulting in widespread blackouts.

Police operatives stormed the BEDC headquarters late Thursday, where protesting union members had gathered to press for the resolution of their demands, and took some officials away.

A visit to the company’s headquarters by journalists on Akpakpava Road, Benin City, on Thursday showed a heavy security presence, with more than 10 policemen and five vehicles deployed to the area, including one mounted with a submachine gun.

The police also cordoned off the area, restricting access to the road leading to Forestry and Mission Road Market. Some motorists who attempted to pass through the route were reportedly turned back.

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A protesting worker, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said union members were stationed at the gate of the headquarters to monitor compliance with the strike when security operatives arrived.

According to the worker, the operatives allegedly assaulted some union officials before taking them away to an undisclosed location.

The worker expressed concern over the whereabouts of the arrested officials, alleging that the BEDC management was behind their arrest and was using the police to intimidate workers into abandoning the industrial action.

He further claimed that the management had previously threatened to arrest union officials, accusing them of spearheading the protest.

However, the allegations could not be independently verified as of the time of filing this report.

Efforts to obtain comments from the Edo State Police Command were unsuccessful, as its spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, had yet to respond to messages sent to her.

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Daily trust reports that the Head of Branding and Corporate Communication at BEDC Electricity, Mrs Evelyn Gbiwen, could not be reached for comment.