As Nigerians across the country continue to groan under epileptic power supply for the past few months, the people of Benue state were not spared from the nightmare.
 
However, it was however observed that electricity supply in the state reasonably witnessed some level of stability in a few months after the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. But unfortunately the situation has suddenly deteriorated in recent times.

The Guardian investigation in Makurdi the Benue state capital and other major towns of the state including, Gboko, Katsina- Ala, Otukpo, Vandeikya, Adikpo etc. reveals that these urban cities though linked to national grid are not witnessing steady power supply now. Even when the light comes, it is just like candlelight and can hardly charge the battery of a hand set.

This sudden drop in power supply in the state for some months now has not only affected the beauty of the cities, it has continue to pose negative consequences on business operators as they are face with the additional search for alternative source of power.

More worrisome is the imposition of high tariffs on consumers by power owners even when the energy is not readily available for use.

Decrying the situation, an iron welder that owes a shop in High – level, Makurdi who pleaded anonymity said the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Company, (JED) has been giving him estimated bill even when low shading was usually transmitted to his shop. 

He said consequent to that he has resorted to using his generator to go about his business, lamenting that he spends not less that 30 litres of fuel on daily basis to accomplish the day’s work.

A cold room owner who deals in frozen foods, Mr Augustine Agbeje said life has not been easy with his business as he lost stock in his shop worth N30 million due to lack of power supply.

Mr Agbeje called on government intervention to stabilize power supply in the country and save the business community from the hands of exploitative managers of power, saying it has not been easy using alternative sources of power like generators.

“I pay not less than N15,000 monthly for my shop as estimated bill. I have been disturbing the managers of power company in the state to supply me with meter, but to no avail. I am getting tired of estimated bills,” Agbeje said.