The National Union of Electricity Employees has threatened to shut down power operations across Nigeria with a nationwide strike. The union is reacting to what it calls the brutalisation of its members by security operatives in Edo State. According to the union, staff carrying out their duties in the state were roughed up by security personnel. If the dispute is not resolved, employees of electricity companies across the country could down tools at the same time. Such a walkout would hit power distribution hard and leave many homes and businesses without supply. Unions in the sector have a history of using strike threats to defend members who face violence on the job. The union is now waiting on authorities in Edo and the security agencies to respond before taking the next step. Households and businesses will be watching whether talks calm the situation or the country faces another spell of blackouts.