By SUNNY OKIM

The man who reportedly attacked and injured an employee of Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (IKEDC) has been arrested.

Popoola Olakunle, a member of staff of Ikeja Electric, was last week stabbed on his head, in the course of duty, at Oladeroun area, New Oko-Oba in the Fagba area of Lagos.

Head of Corporate Communications of the company, Felix Ofulueto, Thursday evening informed News Express that the culprit, Saheed Olanrewaju aka Usama, a resident of 12, Abiodun Street, Iju-Ishaga in Fagba, was apprehended on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, with the assistance of the traditional ruler’s team and handed over to the Oko-Oba Police Station for immediate prosecution.

Ofulueto said so far, plans have been concluded by the police to arraign the suspect before Ogba Magistrate Court today, Friday, March 19, 2021.

He cautioned against continuous assault on IKEDC field staff, stressing that the company has strong commitment to the safety and wellbeing of its employees and will not compromise in its efforts to safeguard this commitment.

Speaking further, Ofulueto said: “Ikeja Electric will continue to condemn these attacks on its employees in strong terms. While we understand that there may be sentiments regarding utility services can be quite emotive, we maintain that wanton attacks on our staff is completely irrational, irresponsible and unproductive, especially where Ikeja Electric has provided multiple channels through which our customers can lodge formal complaints with respect to our service. Where responses from these channels are deemed unsatisfactory, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission has also set up a robust forum office for the redress of customer complaints.”

“In the interest of the safety of our employees and for a harmonious relationship with our customers, Ikeja Electric will continue the deliberate engagement of all stakeholders in flashpoint areas to find ways to amicably resolve all pertinent issues of concern to its customers and communities.

“However, where these attacks persist, Ikeja Electric Plc, in line with her obligation to provide service under a conducive atmosphere to its customers, will as a matter of course, continue to refer such matters to law enforcement agencies and will promptly withdraw its services from communities and customers that prove too hostile to operate in.

“We wish to therefore urge all stakeholders, community leaders, leaders of youth groups and all persons of interest to remain mindful of these matters and adopt a more civil approach to engagements as all parties are deserving of reciprocal respect and regard as espoused by all laws.

“While there may be concerns and disputes arising from time to time, we remain committed to finding long lasting peaceful resolutions in the equitable interests of all parties,” he added.

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