Calls for calm, constructive engagement
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From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi
The management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has condemned, in strong terms, the attack on its staff and the unauthorised invasion of its Benue State office in Makurdi on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.
The electricity company alleged that the office was invaded by a group of persons who identified themselves as Benue youths allegedly being sent by the state government.
A statement from the management signed by the Public Relations Officer, JED, Mrs Saratu Dauda, and issued to newsmen on Thursday read: “The unfortunate incident occurred at approximately 1:17 pm, when a group of about 50 persons forcefully gained access to the office and confronted the JED Plc State management team over operational and administrative concerns.
“These included the illegal connection of the Government House to a refurbished 2MVA 33/11kV transformer supplying State House of Assembly and the Government House.”
The statement said: “During the incident, the youth forced their way into the office, assaulted and molested our members of staff and further abducted 10 personnel, took out four vehicles and various technical working tools.
“The affected personnel and properties were released at about 5:45 pm, following the forceful reconnection of the transformer. Unfortunately, the incident also caused serious injuries to several other members of staff.”
The company also stated that a similar incident was reported on 3 September 2026, when a team of JED Plc staff on a routine check was held hostage at the Government House following the detection of a meter bypass on the premises.
It said the staff members were forced to reconnect the bypassed meter before being released from the facility.
The company lamented that the issue has been lingering and remains unresolved despite several communication efforts with the officials of the state government.
The company said the latest incident has been reported to the relevant security agencies, pledging to continue to cooperate with them in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent a recurrence.
“While the company recognises the importance of addressing stakeholders’ concerns and maintaining cordial relationships with government institutions and host communities, it firmly believes that such matters are best resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding.
“In fact, JED Plc has developed institutional procedures and wishes to further reiterate that technical interventions, including the energisation of transformers and the handling of metering irregularities, must be guided by applicable regulatory requirements and safety standards.
“JED Plc remains committed to constructive engagement with the Benue State Government and other relevant stakeholders to address concerns amicably and in the overall interest of electricity consumers and the people of Benue State,” the management added.