Monarch Calls for Community Action Against Vandalism – Daily Trust

Stakeholders in Benue State have decried the persistent theft and vandalism of electrical energy infrastructure, blaming the event for extended energy outages and poor electrical energy provide, significantly in elements of the state.

They spoke at a Customer Consultative Forum organised by the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED Plc) in Makurdi as a part of actions marking the 2026 Customer Service Week, themed, “The Extra Mile.”

The Och’Idoma, Dr Elaigwu Odogbo John, represented by the First Class Chief of Otukpo/Ohimini, HRH Emmanuel Okochi, stated Benue South continued to endure extended outages, low voltage and cargo shedding.

He referred to as for improved electrical energy provide to the zone, urging clients to pay their payments promptly whereas ending vitality theft and meter bypass.

The monarch additionally condemned the vandalisation of transformers, theft of cables and destruction of electrical energy poles, warning that the actions have been undermining energy provide and financial improvement within the state.

“The vandalisation of transformers, stealing of cables, destruction of poles must stop. Anyone caught vandalising JED property is an enemy of Idoma land and will be handed over to security agencies,” he stated.

He urged conventional rulers to ascertain Community Electricity Committees to strengthen group participation in defending electrical energy infrastructure.

The monarch additionally proposed a Direct Liaison Desk with the Och’Idoma’s Palace to enhance communication between the standard establishment and JED Plc on electricity-related points.

He stated dependable electrical energy provide was vital to financial development, healthcare, safety and the wellbeing of residents.

“When there is light in Zone C, the economy will blossom, health and wellbeing will improve and insecurity will be reduced to the barest minimum,” he stated.

Also talking, the Head of Corporate Communication, JED Plc, Saratu Aliyu Dauda, stated the corporate was dedicated to enhancing buyer satisfaction via suggestions and investments in community growth and upgrades.

Dauda, who described the discussion board because the grand finale of the 2026 Customer Service Week actions within the state, stated complaints obtained from clients have been being addressed, whereas points past the state workplace have been escalated to the corporate’s headquarters in Jos.

She stated the corporate had recorded a discount in buyer complaints following latest investments in community growth and improve.

However, some clients expressed dissatisfaction with the standard of electrical energy provide and billing.

A buyer, Mrs Margaret Annum of Makurdi, described the discussion board as educative, significantly on security ideas and Know Your Customer (KYC) necessities, however complained about what she described as outrageous billing regardless of insufficient electrical energy provide.

Similarly, Ihuman Alphonsus Solomon, Senior Deputy Director, Works and Maintenance Unit, Federal University of Health Sciences, Otukpo, stated poor electrical energy provide was affecting vital amenities within the establishment.

Solomon, who stated the discussion board uncovered him to the necessity for customers to talk out in opposition to electrical energy theft, additionally complained about difficulties in merchandising electrical energy via smartphones.

He stated the poor provide in Zone C was significantly affecting laboratories, info and communication know-how amenities and administrative blocks.

“Some days we don’t even have light at all, and it’s a community where laboratories, ICT, admin blocks all need light to perform,” he stated.

In his opening remarks, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of JED Plc, Engr. Sediko Douka, represented by the State Operation Officer in Benue, Comrade Ojochide Agbata, assured clients of the corporate’s dedication to responsiveness, accountability and steady enchancment.

He stated buyer suggestions remained essential to enhancing service supply, including that each buyer interplay offered a chance for the corporate to serve higher.

The discussion board introduced collectively authorities officers, conventional rulers, safety chiefs and electrical energy customers for discussions on energy provide, buyer satisfaction and repair supply.