The Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has accused soldiers attached to the Nigerian Army School of Military Engineering (NASME) in Makurdi of assaulting one of its staff members at the North Bank Injection Substation, an allegation the military authority has firmly denied.
In a statement issued by its Head of Corporate Communications, Saratu Aliyu Dauda, JED alleged that armed soldiers invaded the facility on February 12 and 14, 2026, over a power outage on the 11kV Daudu Feeder and assaulted a Distribution System Operator, Mr. Ochepo James, who was on duty.
The company claimed that a senior officer, Major Suleiman Mustapha, led the operation around 11pm, during which the staff member was physically attacked, threatened and his personal belongings confiscated.
JED further alleged that the victim was later beaten severely, sustaining injuries to his head and hands, and was left in a pool of blood before being rushed to hospital by a passerby.
Describing the incident as illegal and a violation of critical national infrastructure, the electricity firm said it had temporarily withdrawn its personnel from the affected substation and reported the matter to the Department of State Services, the Commissioner of Police, the Benue State Government and other relevant authorities.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Sediko Douka, said no employee should face violence in the course of lawful duty and vowed to pursue accountability, while the State Operating Officer for Benue, Engr. Felix Shalzim, called for lawful engagement in resolving power supply concerns.
However, NASME denied the allegation as its Public Relations Officer, Lt. Nkuma Mba, said no soldiers were involved in any assault and described it as unfair to link Major Mustapha to the incident.
He stated that the officer, who oversees administration and serves as liaison with the electricity company, was not involved and did not leave the barracks at the time alleged.
Mba added that investigations were ongoing to determine the identity of those who visited the facility, insisting that “there was nothing like alleged assault from NASME Barracks.”
