The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has vowed not to restore electricity supply to the Mobile Police Barracks in Makurdi until the barracks settles its outstanding electricity bill of over N112 million.
According to The PUNCH, this follows a reported assault on one of JED’s staff members by some officers of the Nigerian Mobile Police Force, who allegedly stormed the company’s business unit in Makurdi on Sunday.
In a statement issued by the Head of Corporate Services of JED Plc, Friday Elijah, the company condemned the attack and revealed that the disconnection was prompted by the barracks’ unpaid electricity bill amounting to N112,420,658.65.
“The policemen stormed our Makurdi office in a commando-like style and viciously attacked our security guard on duty, Mr. Hassan Ademu. He was beaten to a stupor, and his head was broken,” Elijah said.
He described the assault as a grave act of intimidation and an abuse of authority, adding that such actions will not deter the company from enforcing its policies on defaulting customers.
“We will not tolerate any form of violence against our staff. The Mobile Police Barracks will remain disconnected until the full debt is paid,” Elijah insisted.
According to him, the management of JED Plc is taking the matter seriously and will formally petition both the Inspector-General of Police and the Benue State Commissioner of Police over the incident.
“The safety and dignity of our employees are non-negotiable. We are currently preparing a protest letter to the highest authorities in the police hierarchy,” he added.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue State Command, SP Udeme Edet, said she had not yet received any official report regarding the alleged incident.
“I am yet to receive the report,” Edet briefly told reporters.