The Benue State Government has formally rejected allegations made by Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) that individuals acting on its instructions attacked company staff and invaded its Makurdi office.
In a direct response to the accusations, the state administration has demanded that JED issue a full retraction and a public apology. The government maintains that the claims are unfounded and seeks to clear its name regarding the reported confrontation in the state capital.
The dispute follows an incident where the utility company alleged that its employees were targeted and its premises breached by persons purportedly following orders from the state government. The clash between the Benue government and JED has created a tense standoff between the regional authorities and the electricity provider.
Government officials have insisted that the administration had no involvement in any violence or illegal invasion of the company’s property. They have described the allegations as an attempt to misrepresent the state’s position and have called for the utility company to provide evidence for its claims.
Tensions between DisCos and State Authorities
The standoff in Makurdi reflects a broader pattern of friction between electricity distribution companies (DisCos) and state governments across Nigeria. These conflicts frequently emerge during revenue collection exercises, the enforcement of metering policies, or the disconnection of customers suspected of illegal connections.
While DisCos often require security cooperation from state governments to protect their personnel and assets during field operations, the relationship can become strained. State authorities sometimes view aggressive enforcement or sudden mass disconnections as a threat to local economic stability and social order. Conversely, DisCos argue that a lack of cooperation from local leadership hinders their ability to recover debts and maintain the integrity of the power grid.
In the North Central region, where JED operates, such disputes can lead to significant service disruptions. When communication between the DisCo and the state government breaks down, it often results in prolonged legal battles or administrative stalemates that affect the reliability of electricity supply to consumers.
As of now, the Benue State Government has not indicated whether it will pursue legal action beyond the demand for an apology. JED has yet to provide a formal response to the state’s demand for a retraction. The situation remains unresolved, with both parties holding conflicting accounts of the events that took place at the Makurdi office.
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