The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned alleged assaults on its staff members in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Taraba state.

Communications officer of the company, Blessing Tunoh, in a statement on Monday, said intimidation of its staff members is unacceptable.

The company noted that the affected employees were carrying out lawful duties, including metering exercises, fault clearing, revenue collection, and prepaid meter monitoring.

According to the statement, YEDC prioritises welfare of its workers, emphasising that grievances relating to electricity supply, billing, or metering should be channeled through official complaint mechanisms rather than through violence or intimidation.

However, YEDC assured customers that it would continue to engage community leaders and relevant authorities to ensure safe and efficient delivery of electricity services, reminding residents that assaulting or obstructing authorised utility personnel constitutes a criminal offence under Section 220 (1) of the Electricity Act 2023.

The statement said, “The Yola Electricity Distribution compan y (YEDC) has strongly condemned recent incidents of harassment and physical assault against its personnel in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities of Jalingo, Taraba State.

“The company expressed concern over what it described as a growing trend of hostility toward field staff during legitimate operational activities. It warned that such actions not only endanger employees but also disrupt service delivery and pose risks to electrical installations in the affected communities

“The company reminded residents that assaulting or obstructing authorized utility personnel constitutes a criminal offence under Section 220 (1) of the Electricity Act 2023.”

While urging customers to seek approved means of redress, the company cautioned that continued violence could compel it to withdraw services from communities where staff safety cannot be guaranteed. (Daily Trust)