 is speaking out against a disturbing wave of harassment and physical violence directed at its field staff within the Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Jalingo, Taraba State.){kind=link}
The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) is speaking out against a disturbing wave of harassment and physical violence directed at its field staff within the Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Jalingo, Taraba State.
In a formal briefing on Monday, the company’s Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, condemned the attacks as completely unacceptable, issuing a stern warning that the utility provider will no longer stand by while its workers are put in harm’s way.
The report details how staff members were simply performing their daily, lawful duties—including installing new meters, repairing faults, and monitoring prepaid systems—when they were unexpectedly targeted and allegedly assaulted by residents.
YEDC made it clear that the safety of its people is its highest priority, reminding the public that attacking or blocking authorized utility workers is a serious criminal offense under Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023.
Beyond the legal ramifications, the company expressed deep concern over a rising culture of hostility. These violent outbursts not only threaten the lives of workers but also cripple the delivery of stable electricity and risk damaging the very infrastructure the community relies on.
While the company encourages customers to use official channels for any billing or service frustrations, it issued a sobering ultimatum: continued violence may force a total withdrawal of electricity services from areas where staff safety cannot be guaranteed.
In an effort to find a peaceful path forward, YEDC confirmed it is currently reaching out to community leaders and local authorities to build a secure environment where staff can work without fear while ensuring the lights stay on for Jalingo residents.