The Benue State Government (BNSG) has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc) over allegations linking the state to violence, abduction and illegal electricity connections.
JED Plc, had on Thursday, October 22, in a statement alleged that Benue youth acting on the instruction of the invaded and attack it’s staff at the company’s Makurdi office.
The BNSG, through the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, described the allegations contained in JED Plc’s statement, as baseless, defamatory and an attempt to tarnish the state’s image.
Chief Iorpev, faulted the electricity distribution company for allegedly making claims without providing names, identities or credible evidence linking the government to the reported incident of October 21.
He argued that JED Plc’s use of the word “allegedly” in its statement showed that the company had not established any evidence to substantiate its claims against the state government.
The commissioner also insisted that disputes over transformer energisation and metering irregularities should be resolved through the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and, where necessary, the courts, rather than through what he described as inflammatory media statements.
On allegations of abduction, assault and injuries, Iorpev said the claims remained unsubstantiated, urging security agencies to conduct impartial, transparent and evidence-based investigations to establish the facts.
He further accused JED Plc of misleading the public in its reference to an incident on September 3, 2026, challenging the company to publish records of the alleged communications it claimed to have had with the state government.
The commissioner maintained that regulatory requirements and safety standards governing electricity distribution must apply equally to JED Plc, public institutions and other electricity consumers.
Warning against what it described as attempts to politicise business operations and damage the state’s reputation, the government demanded that JED Plc withdraw its insinuation that it sanctioned violence, retract the allegation of meter bypassing or illegal connections, and issue a formal apology to the government and the people of Benue State.
Chief Iorpev said the government remained committed to the rule of law, the protection of lives and property, and constructive engagement with stakeholders in the electricity sector, but warned that it would pursue legal remedies if the company continued to disseminate what it considered false claims.
He added that the people of Benue deserved reliable electricity supply, respectful treatment and accountability rather than unsubstantiated allegations.
