The Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) has condemned recent incidents of harassment and physical assault against its staff in Yagai and Kasuwan Bera communities in Jalingo, Taraba State.

In a statement issued on Monday, the company’s Communications Officer, Blessing Tunoh, described the attacks as unacceptable and warned that such conduct would not be tolerated.

According to the statement, the affected employees were carrying out lawful duties — including metering exercises, fault repairs, revenue collection and prepaid monitoring — when they were allegedly assaulted.

YEDC stressed that the safety of its personnel remains a top priority, reminding residents that assaulting or obstructing authorised utility workers constitutes a criminal offence under Section 220(1) of the Electricity Act 2023.

The company expressed concern over what it called a rising trend of hostility toward its staff during routine operations, noting that such actions not only endanger workers but also disrupt electricity supply and threaten infrastructure in affected communities.

While urging customers with complaints about service delivery, billing or metering to use official complaint channels, YEDC warned that persistent violence could force it to suspend services in areas where staff safety cannot be guaranteed.

The company added that it would continue engaging community leaders and relevant authorities to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and a secure working environment for its employees.