Violent Attack on BEDC Workers During Lawful Disconnection Sparks Outrage and Legal Action in Benin City

 

Residents of Benin City, Edo State, were left shocked following a violent incident involving staff members of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), who were reportedly assaulted while executing a routine disconnection over unpaid electricity bills. The situation unfolded during a revenue drive, with at least two BEDC officials sustaining injuries after being attacked by individuals at a customer’s premises.

The company confirmed that the affected team was on lawful duty to disconnect power supply due to non-payment of the electricity bill for the month of June 2025. According to BEDC, the attack was both unprovoked and aggressive, marking a disturbing trend of hostility towards electricity workers tasked with ensuring compliance with payment obligations.

BEDC identified the assaulted officials as Patrick Iyayi and two linesmen, Mr. Andrew and Mr. Samson. These individuals were carrying out their duties under the lawful authority granted to them by BEDC when they were allegedly set upon by unknown assailants. The situation rapidly escalated when, according to the company’s statement, a male figure emerged from within the premises and struck Mr. Iyayi with a stone. The force of the impact caused a severe facial injury, including a broken nose.

Following the attack, Mr. Iyayi was quickly transported to the Benin Medical Centre for emergency medical attention. Medical personnel worked to stabilize his condition and discharged him later that night at approximately 10:00 p.m. The other two staff members also received minor injuries during the confrontation but were treated at the scene.

Eyewitnesses in the area reported hearing raised voices and commotion shortly before the physical attack took place. Some residents expressed concern about the rising tension between utility workers and customers in the region, noting that while disputes over bills are not uncommon, resorting to violence only escalates issues that can be resolved through legal channels.

In a strongly worded statement, BEDC denounced the attack, describing it as deeply troubling and wholly unacceptable. The company reiterated that its staff work daily in difficult and sometimes hostile conditions to deliver a critical service that millions depend upon. According to the statement, BEDC expects that its workers be treated with the respect and dignity their roles deserve, and it will not tolerate any form of aggression or intimidation against them.

“Our staff work under intense pressure and often face difficult circumstances in the course of providing electricity services to homes and businesses,” the statement read. “Assaulting them is a criminal act, and BEDC will pursue every legal avenue to ensure that justice is served.”

Following the incident, BEDC reported the matter to local law enforcement agencies. The individuals suspected of carrying out the attack were arrested and are currently in police custody pending further investigation and prosecution. The company expressed its full confidence in the legal system to handle the matter and promised to provide all necessary support to the authorities.

This event is not the first of its kind in recent months, as utility providers across the country continue to face challenges with revenue collection and customer engagement. Industry analysts note that tensions often rise during periods of disconnection due to unpaid bills, particularly when economic pressures make it harder for customers to settle their dues on time.

BEDC emphasized that it follows all legal and regulatory procedures when initiating service disconnections. The company urged customers who face difficulties with payment to approach its offices or customer care channels for assistance and resolution, rather than taking matters into their own hands.

Community leaders and public affairs commentators have weighed in on the matter, calling for greater awareness among consumers regarding the legal rights and responsibilities tied to electricity use. Some have called for additional security measures to be provided for utility workers, especially when they are out in the field performing disconnection or reconnection duties.

Human rights advocates have also condemned the violence, warning that such acts threaten the integrity and safety of service delivery across various sectors. They encouraged victims of assault to speak out and demand justice, rather than allowing these types of incidents to go unchallenged.

As legal proceedings move forward, BEDC vowed to monitor the case closely and ensure that the assailants are held accountable under the law. The company expressed hope that the outcome of the case will serve as a deterrent to others who may consider taking similar unlawful actions against their workers in the future.

Customers were reminded once again that disputes or dissatisfaction with service delivery should always be resolved through proper communication channels. The company highlighted its commitment to fairness and transparency in handling customer issues, adding that violence undermines the trust and cooperation needed to improve power delivery in the region.

“We appeal to all our customers to resolve their grievances through peaceful dialogue and lawful means. Violence is not a solution and only serves to delay the resolution of issues,” the BEDC statement concluded.

This incident has sparked renewed discussions about the urgent need to protect frontline workers across essential services. For BEDC, the message is clear: the safety of its staff is paramount, and the company will stand firmly behind them in the face of intimidation or harm.