Imo Govt  Bulldozing Of  EEDC Office Raises  Uproar In Orlu

Tension erupted on Wednesday in Imo State when government officials, accompanied by security operatives, demolished the Orlu District office of the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) without prior notice or explanation.

The incident occurred around 8:30 am, sparking chaos as EEDC staff members, reportedly manhandled by security personnel, were unable to salvage company or personal property from the site.

Witnesses allege that the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Hon. Chris Mbaeri, was present during the demolition.

According to Mr. Emeka Ezeh, Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, the government officials began demolishing the property using an excavator that accessed the site through the back fence.

“In the early hours of Wednesday, the 14th May, 2025, at about 8.30am, the premises of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company PLC (EEDC), Orlu District, Imo State was visited with an excavator sent by the Imo State Government. The excavator immediately commenced the demolition of the property from the back fence, where it gained access from, pulling down the store, the cash office, and the security house.”

Ezeh revealed that the company’s equipment and assets were completely destroyed, while staff members were denied entry and some even faced physical assault.

He added, “Staff who were around were denied access when they attempted to salvage the properties and equipment.”

The District Business Manager and another operations staff member were reportedly assaulted and detained by a specialized security unit known as ‘Tiger Base.’

Describing the development as shocking and unjustified, Ezeh lamented, “This development is quite disturbing as there is no known reason for the action, nor was there any notice or communication made to EEDC in that regard. Rather, we were told that they were acting under the directive of the state government.”

EEDC management remains in the dark regarding the rationale for the demolition of the office it had occupied for over two decades.

The company called on the Imo State Government to explain the sudden and forceful eviction.

“In an attempt to resist the action and enquire what necessitated the sudden demolition, the District Business Manager, along with one of the operations staff, were assaulted and whisked away to Owerri by a special security squad known as ‘Tiger Base,’” Ezeh disclosed.

EEDC demanded clarification from the state government.

“We 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.”

 

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