Benue blackout: Aondoakaa, PDP, NDC condemn attack on JED staff

By Peter Duru, Makurdi The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Chief Michael Aondoakaa, SAN, and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) have condemned the reported attack on staff of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc in Makurdi, calling for the immediate restoration of electricity across the state. The condemnation followed the reported invasion of JED’s Benue State office by suspected thugs on Wednesday, October 21, during which personnel were allegedly assaulted, abducted and injured, while vehicles and technical equipment were reportedly taken away.

Aondoakaa, a former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, described the incident as reprehensible, undemocratic and a grave affront to the rule of law, while expressing sympathy with the management and staff of the electricity distribution company. “No grievance, however legitimate, can justify violence, assault or the invasion of a corporate office.

Such conduct has no place in a democracy and must never be tolerated, regardless of who is involved or the interests they claim to represent,” he said. The PDP candidate expressed concern over the widespread blackout that has affected Benue following the incident, noting that residents, businesses and other electricity-dependent establishments were suffering the consequences of a dispute in which they had no direct involvement.

“The people of Benue must not be made to pay for a dispute they did not create. The prolonged blackout is disrupting businesses, undermining economic activities and imposing needless hardship on households,” Aondoakaa stated. He urged the parties involved to resolve their differences through lawful engagement and appropriate regulatory channels, while calling on security agencies to conduct an impartial investigation, ensure accountability and work with relevant stakeholders to facilitate the prompt restoration of electricity.

“Our immediate priority must be to restore power and relieve the suffering of our people. The safety of electricity workers, respect for the rule of law and the welfare of Benue people must take precedence over every other consideration,” he added. Similarly, the Benue State chapter of the PDP condemned the reported invasion, alleging that 10 JED personnel were abducted, several workers seriously injured, and four vehicles and technical equipment taken away during the incident.

The PDP also raised questions over the circumstances surrounding the electricity connection at Government House, alleging that the dispute involved a refurbished 2MVA, 33/11kV transformer supplying Government House and the Benue State House of Assembly. According to the party, JED had also reported an earlier incident on September 3, 2026, when its personnel allegedly detected a meter bypass at Government House and were compelled to reconnect the bypassed meter before being released.

The claims require investigation and independent verification. The party called on Governor Alia to publicly clarify the allegations surrounding the reported attack and the disputed electricity connections, insisting that no political affiliation or loyalty should shield anyone found culpable from prosecution. “The Benue state government must act urgently to facilitate the restoration of electricity while ensuring that those responsible for any unlawful conduct are held accountable,” the PDP said in a statement signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Bright Antyo.

The party also urged the Benue State Police Command and other security agencies to investigate the alleged invasion, assaults, abductions and removal of vehicles and equipment, stressing that anyone found to have participated in, sponsored or directed the violence should face the law without political interference. Meanwhile, the NDC, through its Benue State Publicity Secretary, Jabez Ordedoo, expressed solidarity with JED management and staff over what it described as an unfortunate attack on the company’s managerial personnel following the disconnection of electricity supply to Government House.

The party condemned the violence and apologised to JED on behalf of what it described as the peace-loving people of Benue State, while lamenting what it considered a growing trend of insecurity and lawlessness in the state, including Makurdi, over the past three years. The NDC expressed hope that a different administration would soon take over governance and restore peace and civility in the state.