The security deployment at the company’s headquarters on Akpakpava Road reportedly involved more than 10 police officers and five patrol vehicles. The surrounding area was also cordoned off, restricting access to roads leading to the Forestry and Mission Road markets.

The restrictions triggered complaints from traders, who said the security presence disrupted business activities and made it difficult for customers to reach their shops.

The development followed the industrial action launched by NUEE on October 19, 2026, over unresolved workers’ demands, including salary increments, implementation of the national minimum wage, harmonisation of salaries and promotion-related grievances.

The strike disrupted electricity supply across BEDC’s franchise states, comprising Edo, Delta, Ekiti and Ondo. Although reports indicated that union branches in some states had suspended their action following discussions with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the dispute in Edo remained unresolved.

A BEDC employee, who spoke on condition of anonymity, alleged that union members were monitoring compliance with the strike at the company’s entrance when security operatives arrived and arrested some officials.

The worker further alleged that the officials were assaulted before being taken away and accused BEDC management of using the police to intimidate union members and pressure them into abandoning the industrial action. The allegations against the company’s management have not been independently established.

Subsequent reports published on Friday, October 23, indicated that the affected union officials had been released in the early hours of the day. However, union representatives alleged that the men had been assaulted and required medical attention. The union also raised concerns over the reported seizure of their personal belongings.

The NUEE subsequently threatened to extend the industrial action nationwide if its demands concerning the treatment of its members and the withdrawal of security personnel from the company’s premises were not addressed.

The dispute comes amid broader disagreements over workers’ welfare, salary structures and other conditions of service at BEDC.

In earlier comments reported during the strike, BEDC management maintained that discussions on workers’ concerns, including salary harmonisation, were ongoing. The company also cited welfare initiatives and salary adjustments undertaken in recent years.

Efforts to obtain further comments from BEDC’s Head of Branding and Corporate Communications, Evelyn Gbiwen, and the Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, were reportedly unsuccessful at the time of the initial reports.

The situation leaves the dispute between BEDC management and electricity workers unresolved, with concerns over workers’ welfare, industrial relations and the impact of the strike on electricity consumers.

Reporting by TalkNaijaMedia