The President of the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, Williams Akporeha, testified in court about a violent attack he, the union’s Secretary-General, and the newly elected National Chairman of the Petroleum Tanker Drivers faced from former union leaders. The incident occurred on November 1, 2023, when the group allegedly attacked their office in Abuja.
The defendants face charges of attempted murder, breach of peace, and assault. Akporeha described how they were blocked from entering the office premises, physically assaulted, and threatened with weapons by the accused individuals. Despite being smuggled into the building by his secretary, he witnessed the continued violence against his colleagues.
The defendants pleaded not guilty, and the trial was adjourned to November 20 for further proceedings. Akporeha’s testimony highlighted the dangerous and terrifying nature of the attack, showcasing the need for justice to be served in the case.