The Imo State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that workers were abducted at the Egbu 132/33kV Transmission Substation, describing the situation instead as an operational dispute between two electricity distribution companies.
Rumours had circulated on Saturday suggesting that some staff members were taken hostage at the facility. However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Henry Okoye, clarified that no personnel of the National Integrated Power Transmission Company (NISO) or the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) were abducted or forced to carry out any action.
According to the statement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Aboki Danjuma, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a full-scale inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the November 15 incident.
“Preliminary findings show that there is no indication that NISO or TCN personnel were abducted, held hostage, or forced to disconnect any facility,” the statement read.
The police revealed that the disturbance stemmed from an “operational disagreement” involving the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) and the Orashi Electricity Distribution Company. The Chairman of the Imo State Electricity Regulatory Commission (ISERC) was reportedly present to mediate the issue, while further investigation will determine the complete facts.
The Command reassured residents that it has stabilised the situation, noting that security personnel have been deployed to ensure peace and protect the critical facility.
“In synergy with the Imo State Government, the Command remains fully committed to ensuring that TCN/NISO operators and all electricity personnel carry out their duties safely, professionally, and without intimidation,” the police said. It added that preventive measures have been implemented to avoid similar incidents and safeguard vital infrastructure across the state.