MEDIATRACNET
The Management of Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) has decried the
incessant incident of assaults and attacks of its staff by customers.
The company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Donald Etim, said on Tuesday this is becoming a serious concern to the management as it was affecting the smooth discharge of its mandate.
Etim said the company was speaking out following the rising incidents of assaults and attacks on its staff while performing
their lawful duties.
He disclosed that at least four incidents were reported in different locations within the last two weeks.
“We value our staff, and we are concerned about their utmost safety, especially when they are carrying out their lawful duties. We will go to the full extent of the law to ensure that any assailant is brought to justice,” Etim said.
He said one of such attackers, one Moses Malam who assaulted an AEDC Staff with a machete in Lifecamp
District, has been charged to court for the offence.
Also, he said the Nigerian Police was currently investigating other assault cases against one Rasheed Layinde of Chika village, Millicent Daniel and another assailant in
Lugbe District.
The AEDC spokesperson further expressed his management’s concerns over these unlawful acts, adding: “All the attacks left the AEDC Staff involved with severe bodily injuries”.
“Although the perpetrators have all been arrested, a culprit in one particular case has been arraigned in court,” he said.
“These incidents were completely avoidable. Aggression against
any staff of our company is not the best approach to solving complaints or issues, as various online and offline channels have been provided to enable our customers to reach us. We will not condone any further reported assaults and attacks on our workers in the course of their lawful duties.”
Etim affirmed that AEDC was currently implementing initiatives to reduce incidents of assaults and attacks on its staff, by
encouraging customers to use the company’s available complaint resolution channels, the Staff Verification Portal to confirm the identity of its staff, and its whistleblowing channels to report improper conduct or illegal conduct by its staff.
In the interest of the safety of AEDC staff, and for an improved relationship with our
customers, he said the company will continue to hold community engagements with its customers to find ways to amicably resolve all pertinent issues of concern.
He admonished members of the public to relate peacefully with AEDC staff in their area to work, assuring all its customers that the company would continue to
discharge its professional responsibilities to the betterment of its entire franchise area at all times.
