Benue State and Jos Electricity Distribution enter dispute over power disconnection

A dispute between the Benue State Government and Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc has escalated following the disconnection of the Government House on October 21, 2026, over an alleged meter bypass.

The Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) has threatened to withdraw workers from JED’s Benue offices. The union alleges that staff members, including the State Operating Officer, were abducted and assaulted by suspected thugs from the Government House. SSAEAC claims workers were taken to the River Benue Bridge and forced at gunpoint to restore electricity to the Government House.

In response, the Benue State Government has initiated talks with JED and security agencies to restore electricity across the state, noting that the outage has disrupted hospitals, businesses, and domestic activities. The state government has dismissed allegations regarding the circumstances of the disconnection and has ordered security agencies to conduct an investigation into the incident. The government also warned that individuals found responsible for attacking workers or destroying property will face prosecution.