Benue State Government has called for the immediate restoration of electricity supply across the state, following disruptions that have affected households, businesses, hospitals, students and artisans.
The state government said Governor Hyacinth Alia had directed that the matter be resolved without delay, adding that discussions were ongoing with Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED), security agencies and other relevant stakeholders to restore normal power supply.
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the government acknowledged the hardship caused by the interruption and expressed concern over its impact on residents.
The government maintained that allegations levelled against it over the circumstances surrounding the disconnection were unfounded.
It, however, condemned acts of violence against individuals and institutions, warning that anyone found guilty of unlawfully assaulting or intimidating workers or damaging property would face the full weight of the law.
According to the statement, security agencies have been directed to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident to establish the facts, while negotiations continue to resolve the dispute.
The government also urged JED and the electricity workers’ union to consider the welfare of millions of Benue residents affected by the power outage.
It assured electricity workers of its commitment to providing the necessary guarantees for their safety and called for the restoration of supply while outstanding disagreements are addressed through dialogue.
The government appealed to residents to remain calm, exercise patience and refrain from taking the law into their own hands, warning that actions capable of disrupting public peace could further delay the restoration of electricity.
Residents were also urged to protect electricity installations and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.
The government pledged to keep the public informed as efforts to resolve the crisis continue, reaffirming its commitment to the welfare, safety and dignity of the people of Benue State.
