Tension is mounting in Biu Local Government Area of Borno State following a violent attack on facilities belonging to Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), an incident that has forced the company to suspend operations in the area.
In a statement released Tuesday, YEDC condemned the physical assault on its personnel and the invasion of its office, describing the development as a serious threat to service delivery and staff safety.
The statement, signed by Communications Officer Blessing Tunoh, revealed that suspected criminal elements forcefully gained entry into the company’s Biu office, where they allegedly attacked workers, vandalized property, and set company vehicles on fire.
Beyond the destruction, the attackers reportedly carted away critical operational assets, including service cables, electricity meters, computers, refrigerators, television sets, and other office equipment—further crippling operations.
The company warned that the incident goes beyond property damage, highlighting the broader implications for electricity supply and public safety. According to YEDC, such acts significantly disrupt service delivery and endanger both infrastructure and human lives.
As an immediate response, the electricity distributor announced the temporary suspension of operations in Biu, raising concerns about prolonged power outages in the area.
YEDC also pointed to the legal consequences of such actions, citing Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023, which criminalizes assaults on utility workers and the vandalism of power infrastructure.
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The company urged residents to adopt lawful channels in resolving disputes, emphasizing that violence only worsens the situation and may lead to a total withdrawal of services, alongside prosecution of those involved.
While reaffirming its commitment to delivering reliable electricity, YEDC called on community leaders, security agencies, and other stakeholders to work together in safeguarding critical infrastructure.
For now, uncertainty looms over residents and businesses in Biu as efforts to restore normalcy hinge on improved security conditions. Meanwhile, the company insists that the safety and wellbeing of its staff remain its top priority.
