From Joseph Uchenna, Makurdi
The Management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company JED Plc on Thursday strongly condemned the attack on its staff and the unauthorized invasion of its Benue State Office in Makurdi on Wednesday, 21st October 2026, by an unidentified group of persons who purportedly identified themselves as Benue youths allegedly sent by the State Government.
JED in a statement issued by its management made available to the media, said the unfortunate incident occurred at about 1:17p.m, when about 50 persons forcefully gained access to the office and confronted the JED Plc State’s management team over operational and administrative concerns that bordered on an illegal connection of the Government House to a refurbished 2MVA 33/11kV transformer supplying electricity to the 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 staff and further abducted 10 personnel, took away 4 vehicles and various technical working tools, averring that the affected personnel and properties were later released at about 5:45 p.m, following the forceful reconnection of the transformer, adding that several other members of staff also sustained injuries.
The JED management said a similar incident was reported on 3rd September 2026, when a team of JED Plc staff on a routine check, were held hostage at the Government House following the detection of a meter bypass on the premises during which the staff members were forced to reconnect the bypassed meter before being released from the facility.
The electricity company claimed that this issue has been lingering and remained unresolved despite several communications efforts with the officials of the State Government.
“The latest incident has been escalated to the relevant security agencies and we will continue to cooperate with them in establishing the circumstances surrounding the incident to prevent a recurrence.
“While the Company recognizes 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 wish to further reiterate that technical interventions, including the energization 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 statement read in part.
