The All Progressives Congress in Benue State has condemned the alleged assault, abduction and intimidation of personnel of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc in Makurdi.

The party said the incident has caused widespread electricity disruption across the state.

Jos Electricity Distribution Plc had reported that about 50 youths invaded its office along Otukpo Road on Wednesday, assaulted staff and abducted 10 personnel. The state government, however, described the allegations as unfounded and baseless.

In a statement signed by its state publicity secretary, Daniel-Morgan Ihomun, the Austin Agada-led APC faction said no government has the right to resort to intimidation or tolerate violence against workers over disputes on electricity bills or power disconnection.

The party noted that small businesses, traders, cold-room operators, artisans, healthcare facilities and households were bearing the consequences of a dispute they did not create. It called on the Alia administration to issue an unreserved public apology to the company, its affected staff and the people of Benue.

The APC also urged the state government to settle verified outstanding electricity bills, engage Jos Electricity Distribution and the National Union of Electricity Employees in good faith, restore normal power supply and support an impartial