Makurdi in Darkness as Electricity Workers Withdraw Services over Alleged Attack

Makurdi, the capital of Benue State, was left without electricity after workers at Jos Electricity Distribution (JED), members of the NUEE union, withdrew their services. The union alleges that armed men seized state operating officer Samson Abah and other employees, assaulted them near the River Benue Bridge, demanded money and forced them to restore power to the Government House. NUEE acting national secretary Dominic Igwebike said the dispute followed a disconnection at the Government House after an alleged meter bypass was discovered. The Benue State Government denies the claims, calling them defamatory and unfounded.