Makurdi Faces Power Outage as Electricity Workers Halt Services Amid Alleged Attack

Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, is experiencing a power outage after electricity workers stopped their services. This action follows an alleged attack on some of their colleagues by armed men.

The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) claims that attackers invaded the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) office in Makurdi. They reportedly took the Benue State Operating Officer, Mr. Samson Abah, and other workers to the River Benue Bridge, where they were assaulted. The attackers also allegedly stole mobile phones and demanded money for the workers’ release, forcing them to reconnect power to the Government House.

According to NUEE’s Acting National Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, the attack occurred after the Government House’s electricity supply was cut off due to a suspected meter bypass. The union stated that it could not ensure the safety of its members under such circumstances, leading to the decision to withdraw services.

A JED employee, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed the shutdown, stating that the workers would not restore power until the situation is resolved. He mentioned, “Our office was attacked, and our union asked us to withdraw our services, so we have shut down power supply to Makurdi.”

The Benue State Government has strongly denied the allegations made by JED, calling them baseless and defamatory. The Commissioner for Information, Chief Solomon Iorpev, stated that the government would not accept claims linking it to violence or illegal activities without credible evidence.

The government criticized JED for its public statements, arguing that such matters should be handled through proper channels, including the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission. They also demanded a retraction of the allegations and a formal apology, warning that legal action could follow if JED continues to spread what they call false information.

As of now, the power supply in Makurdi remains off, with workers insisting they will not return to work until their safety is assured and the dispute is resolved.