Family Accuses JED Officials of Deception Leading to Young Man’s Death

In a heartbreaking incident in Ushongo Local Government Area of Benue State, a 23-year-old man named Vitalis Nongon has reportedly been electrocuted while attempting to resolve an electricity issue in his community. According to allegations circulating on social media, officials from the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) are accused of misleading the untrained young man, resulting in his untimely death.

The claims, shared in detailed posts apparently from a concerned community member or family associate, state that the Nongon family reached out for assistance after persistent power problems in the area. JED network engineers allegedly persuaded Vitalis, despite his lack of training, to climb an electric pole to address the fault. They reportedly assured him that signals had been sent to the Ugbema office, which controls Ushongo’s electricity supply, to “open the accelerator”—interpreted as switching off the power—to ensure safety during the repair.

Tragically, the power was not disconnected as promised. The accelerator remained closed, meaning the lines stayed live. Unaware of the danger, Vitalis climbed the pole and was electrocuted on the spot. The posts describe the incident as a “calculated, conspired homicide” by JED staff, who are said to have fled the scene and are now on the run.

The grieving family has called for justice, emphasizing that the late Vitalis deserves accountability for what they term a deliberate act of negligence or worse. The parents are reportedly hospitalized due to shock from the devastating news. Meanwhile, the post highlights additional pressure on the family to proceed with burial arrangements already set for December 20, 2025, urging resistance until a thorough investigation is conducted.

The author of the posts has appealed directly to authorities for intervention, tagging the Federal Government through Hon. Terseer Ugbor, the Representative for Ushongo/Kwande Federal Constituency; the Benue State Government via Ushongo LGA Council Chairman Hon. Adzu Terkimbi; the Benue State Police Command in Makurdi; and other officials including Hon. Tersoo Kula and Hon. Gbenda Terver.

As of now, there has been no public response from JED or official confirmation of the incident from law enforcement or government sources. Electrocution cases involving power infrastructure in Benue State have occurred in the past, often linked to vandalism or accidental contact, but this allegation of direct involvement and deception by company staff raises serious concerns about safety protocols and accountability in electricity distribution.

This tragedy underscores the risks faced by communities reliant on inconsistent power supply and the potential dangers when unqualified individuals are involved in repairs. The calls for an urgent probe aim to prevent similar occurrences and ensure justice for the Nongon family during this difficult time. The people of Ushongo await answers and action from the relevant authorities.