ORLU, Nigeria — The Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) has condemned what it described as a shocking and unprovoked demolition of its district office in Orlu, Imo State, by agents of the state government without prior notice or explanation.
The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, when an excavator allegedly sent by the state authorities accessed the premises through the back fence and began pulling down key infrastructure including the store, cash office, and security house.
In a statement released by the Head of Corporate Communications, Emeka Ezeh, EEDC expressed outrage and disbelief over the demolition, which also resulted in the destruction of company equipment and property.
“The excavator commenced the demolition of the property from the back fence, pulling down the store, the cash office, and the security house,” Ezeh said.
“Properties and equipment belonging to the company were all destroyed, and staff who were around were denied access when they attempted to salvage the items.”
Ezeh further revealed that the situation escalated when the Orlu District Business Manager and another staff member were allegedly assaulted and arrested by operatives of a special security unit known as “Tiger Base” and taken to Owerri.
The demolition was reportedly carried out under the watch of the Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Hon. Chris Mbaeri.
However, no official documentation, eviction notice, or justification has been provided to EEDC by the Imo State Government.
“There is no known reason for the action, nor was there any notice or communication made to EEDC in that regard,” Ezeh stated.
“Rather, we were told that they were acting under the directive of the state government.”
EEDC, which has occupied the Orlu office premises for over 20 years, has demanded a formal explanation from the state government and described the incident as an “undeserving calamity” for the company and the affected community.
“This is a disturbing development that requires transparency and accountability. We therefore 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,” Ezeh added.
As of press time, efforts to reach Imo State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Declan Mbadiwe Emelumba, were unsuccessful, as his phone remained switched off.
