The two suspects, who allegedly assaulted staffers of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) at Nkpor, have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court 3, in ldemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State.

The suspects, Nonso Amadi and Chibuzor Okafor, were however granted bail and the case adjourned to 8th October, 2019. The Head of Communications, EEDC, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, made this known to newsmen in Enugu.

It will be recalled that men of the Nigerian Police, Obosi, Anambra State, arrested the suspects for allegedly assaulting the staff of EEDC who going about their legitimate duties, attached to its Umunya Service Centre, under Ogidi District, who were at Maryland Layout, Umuoji Road, Nkpor, for cash drive/disconnection of indebted customers, when two hefty men descended on them.

Ezeh said that assault on EEDC field officers in the course of carrying out their daily operations is one of the challenges faced by the company, citing situations where customers release their dogs on staff, threaten them at gun point to either come down from the pole or to climb and reconnect them.

According to Ezeh, sometimes these staff are pulled down from the ladder while they are still on the pole and attacked with harmful objects like knife.

“These are individuals who work to earn a living, most of whom are bread winners to their families. If this is encouraged, it could happen to anyone tomorrow.

“We value our staff, and are concerned about their safety, especially when they are carrying out their lawful duties, and we are ever ready to protect them and prosecute anyone or group that assaults them.

“We commend the Judiciary for the speedy attention given to this matter and are optimistic that this will definitely serve as deterrent to other people that engage in such act.”

He further said customers are encouraged to follow the established redress mechanism approved by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), to channel their complaints. The regulation also according to him, provides opportunity to escalate issues to the nearest NERC Forum Office within their area, for further intervention.

“There is no justification whatsoever to assault any of our staff in the course of his/her legitimate duty,” Ezeh reiterated.