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By Jethro Ibileke
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Edo State Government of orchestrating a night raid that allegedly resulted in the arrest and brutalisation of electricity workers in Benin City, leaving the state chairman of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), Comrade William Uwumarogie, hospitalised.
In a statement dated October 23, 2026, titled “Edo Government Bringing Shame to Nigeria!”, the NLC confirmed the release of Uwumarogie and other union members arrested on Thursday, October 22.
The statement, signed by the Acting General Secretary of the NLC, Comrade Benson Upah, said Uwumarogie was receiving medical treatment for injuries allegedly sustained during the operation at the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) head office on Akpakpava Road.
According to the congress, the operation involved military personnel and suspected thugs, who allegedly apprehended the workers while they were mounting guard in defence of their livelihoods amid an ongoing industrial dispute.
Describing the incident as an unlawful operation, the NLC characterised the alleged arrests and assault as an act of state-sponsored banditry, accusing the Edo State Government of using force rather than dialogue to address the dispute.
The congress linked the incident to an industrial action by NUEE, an affiliate of the NLC, over demands for improved working conditions and terms of employment.
It argued that the dispute should have been addressed through negotiations and established industrial relations mechanisms rather than the alleged use of force against union members.
The NLC also cited what it described as a troubling pattern of hostility towards organised labour in the state, including the alleged illegal occupation of its Edo State secretariat by the government. It said the matter had attracted the attention of the International Labour Organization (ILO).
The congress further accused the Edo State Government of acting inconsistently, alleging that its representatives had sought additional time to resolve industrial relations issues with the NLC during a meeting with the Federal Government in Abuja on Wednesday evening, while preparations for the raid were allegedly taking place in Benin City.
The labour body questioned why the government would seek more time for negotiations and then allegedly resort to a night operation against union members within hours of the meeting.
The NLC outlined five demands, calling on the Edo State Government to apologise for the alleged violence against the workers, end the use of force in industrial disputes, stop actions it said were bringing the country into disrepute, halt the alleged diversion of workers’ check-off dues and provide adequate medical care for Uwumarogie and other injured workers.
The congress said Governor Monday Okpebholo would be held personally responsible for ensuring their full recovery.
It also called on the military hierarchy to investigate the incident and sanction any personnel found to have participated in the operation, arguing that the deployment of soldiers for unlawful arrests would undermine the institution.
Reaffirming its support for NUEE, the NLC declared solidarity with the union and placed its affiliates and civil society allies on red alert.
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