The Imo State Government has demolished the Orlu District office of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company.
The incident, which occurred around 8:30am on Wednesday, left staff and management in disbelief, with no prior notice or official explanation provided.
According to a statement issued by Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, the demolition began when an excavator, allegedly sent by the Imo State Government, gained access to the premises through the back fence and immediately pulled down structures.
“The excavator commenced the demolition of the property from the back fence, pulling down the store, the cash office, and the security house,” Ezeh stated.
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“Properties and equipment belonging to the company were all destroyed, and staff who were around were denied access when they attempted to salvage the items.”
The situation escalated when the District Business Manager and another staff member were allegedly assaulted and arrested by a special security squad known as “Tiger Base,” and subsequently taken to Owerri.
The demolition reportedly occurred under the watch of the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Hon. Chris Mbaeri.
EEDC expressed deep concern over the development, noting that no official communication or justification for the action had been received from the state government.
“There is no known reason for the action, nor was there any notice or communication made to EEDC in that regard,” Ezeh said. “Rather, we were told that they were acting under the directive of the state government.”
Ezeh further stressed the need for accountability and transparency, especially given that EEDC had occupied the office premises for over 20 years. “We therefore request the Imo State Government to at least let us know why an office premises we have occupied for over two decades is suddenly being demolished in the manner it was done in the early hours of today.”
As of the time of this report, the management of EEDC remains in the dark over the motive behind the demolition, describing it as an “undeserving calamity.”
Efforts to reach the Imo State commissioner for information and strategy, Declan Mbadiwe Emerumba, for comment were unsuccessful as his mobile phone was permanently switched off.
