Edo NUEE Chair Hospitalized After Alleged Assault by Police

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) announced that Uwumarogie, the chair of the Edo National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), was hospitalized after an alleged assault during a raid on union members at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) headquarters on Akpakpava Road, Benin City. This incident occurred amid ongoing industrial action by electricity workers concerning their working conditions and employment terms.

The NLC, through its Acting General Secretary, Comrade Benson Upah, condemned the arrests of Uwumarogie and other union members, alleging they were brutalized during the operation. The NLC accused the Edo state government of adopting a hostile approach towards organized labor, particularly as the government had recently requested more time to resolve outstanding industrial relations issues.

The NLC demanded an apology from the state government and urged an end to the use of force in handling industrial disputes, noting that the situation had drawn the attention of the International Labour Organisation.