The National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has issued a threat to withdraw its members from the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc office in Makurdi, Benue State. This decision comes in response to the alleged abduction, torture, and intimidation of workers by suspected government house thugs. The union demands adequate security guarantees from the JED management before its members resume work.
According to NUEE, the incident occurred on October 21, 2026, when the Benue State Operating Officer, Samson Abah, and an unspecified number of other employees were abducted by armed assailants. The attackers took the employees to the River Benue Bridge, allegedly in response to the disconnection of electricity supply to the Benue State Government House. The union claims that the assailants demanded money before releasing the affected workers.
NUEE Acting General Secretary, Dominic Igwebike, signed a statement condemning the alleged attack on JED's Benue State office. The union described the incident as another case of violence against electricity workers performing their responsibilities. NUEE stressed that electricity workers should not risk their lives and property while carrying out their official duties.
The union alleged that the attackers forced the employees to restore electricity supply to the Government House through an illegally installed transformer. NUEE urged electricity distribution companies to prioritize workers' safety and protect them from violence and threats arising from operational decisions. The union also demanded adequate medical care for the affected employees and called on JED management to replace their seized mobile phones and other personal belongings.
NUEE further urged the Benue State Governor to issue a written apology over the alleged incident. The union maintained that electricity workers could not continue performing their duties amid alleged brutality, intimidation, and threats to their lives. The threat to withdraw workers is indefinite, and NUEE members will stay away from the office until the demands are met.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of electricity workers in Benue State. NUEE's threat to withdraw workers may disrupt electricity supply to the state, affecting residents and businesses. The union's demands highlight the need for adequate security measures to protect workers from violence and intimidation.
The Benue State Government has not officially responded to the allegations. However, NUEE's threat to withdraw workers underscores the gravity of the situation. The union's actions may have far-reaching consequences for the state's electricity supply and the well-being of its residents.
Key points
- NUEE threatens to withdraw workers from JED Plc office in Makurdi over alleged attack by government house thugs.
- The union demands adequate security guarantees, medical care for affected employees, and replacement of seized personal belongings.
- The incident highlights the need for adequate security measures to protect electricity workers from violence and intimidation.
