Youths attack policemen, electricity workers with machetes

Three policemen and six employees of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) escaped being lynched at the weekend following attacks on them by angry youths in different parts of Yenagoa, the state capital.

The youths were said to be angry that amidst darkness for many days in their various suburbs, the workers under the protection of the policemen stormed their areas to recover debts and disconnect wires.

It was gathered that the Business Service Manager, PHED, Pere Alazigha was cut with machete and left in the pool of his blood by the youths.


One of the workers identified as Christian Umegbewe ‎was reportedly pushed down from the ladder during the disconnection process.

‎The Chief Operating Officer, PHED, Engr. Kingsley Achife,‎ confirmed the development in a statement issued by the Protocol Officer, Corporate Communication, Sophilia Obire.

He said that the security operatives attached to them were attacked by some residents of Epie community in Yenagoa.

He said: “The attack, which was spearheaded by youths, resulted in injury to three policemen, the Business Service Manager, Pere Alazigha, a linesman, Christian Umegbewe and other staff members involved in the disconnection exercise.

“While Alazigha was left with a machete cut on his body, Umegbewe was pushed down from the ladder by the youths during the disconnection process. Both of them were immediately hospitalized.‎”

Achife condemned the violence but said the attitude of the youths would not deter the commitment of PHED to service paying customers.

He said the company would continue to ensure that all customers pay for energy consumed appealing to members of the public to stop attacking workers willing to render quality service to them.


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