Aondoakaa, Residents Seek Restoration Of Electricity After Attack

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Benue State, Michael Kaase Aondoakaa (SAN), has condemned the attack on staff of the Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) Plc in Makurdi, describing the incident as reprehensible, undemocratic and a grave affront to the rule of law.

Aondoakaa expressed sympathy with the JED management and its staff over the reported assault, abduction of personnel and injuries sustained during the invasion of the company’s Benue State office.

In a statement issued by Aondoakaa’s media aide, James Ian, stated, “No grievance, however legitimate, can justify violence, assault or the invasion of a corporate office. Such a conduct has no place in a democracy and must never be tolerated, regardless of who is involved or the interests they claim to represent.,”

The former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice expressed deep concern over the widespread blackout that has affected the Benue State since the incident, noting that innocent residents and businesses were bearing the consequences of actions in which they played no part.

“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. At a time when our people are battling economic difficulties, this situation is particularly distressing,” he stated.

The PDP gubernatorial candidate urged all parties to resolve their differences through lawful engagement and the appropriate regulatory channels, rather than resorting to intimidation or force.

Meanwhile, many residents have also called on the management of Jos Electricity Distribution (JED) to restore electricity that was cut off after the alleged invasion of it office by suspected thugs and abduction of ten staff.

A Makurdi based legal practitioner, Jirgba Terfa, who posted on his facebook page urged the Benue State Government and the relevant security agencies to investigate the alleged attack, protect JED personnel and infrastructure, and ensure that anyone found culpable faces the law.

“I therefore call on JED to explain the circumstances and legal basis of any widespread interruption of electricity supply in Makurdi and to restore power to affected customers without further delay, unless a specific and lawful technical or safety reason prevents restoration” Jirgba said.