The paramount rulers of the Idoma Kingdom and that of the Otukpo chiefdom, HRM Chiefs John Elaigwu Odogbo and Dr John Onuminya Eimonye have commended the management of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for regular and stable power supply to their domains.

The monarchs made the commendation last Thursday in Otukpo during a Customers Consultative Forum organised by Jos Disco to sensitize the people on the rights and obligations of customers.

Speaking, the Och'Idoma who was represented by the Third Class Chief of Otukpo/Akpa, Chief Asem Sunday said Jos Electricity Distribution Plc has done commendable in terms of energy distribution in the state.

He urged the company to be focused on the good work it was doing especially in expeditiously attending to faults.

In his remarks, the Och'Otukpo-Odu - Odu, Dr John Eimonye, said they were happy with the quality of the power supply in his domain saying, "I have travelled to so many places in the country but I found it difficult to witness the quality and stability of power supply company to what we have here".

Dr Eimonye who decried the menace of vandalism to electricity facilities in Otukpo promised to summon a security summit that would tackle the threat before the end of the year.

He disclosed that as a responsible Chief who was ready to protect public utilities situated in his domain, he had personally facilitated the arrest of some suspected vandals recently.

He urged the company to intensify more efforts in protecting their installations by collaborating with local security and the various traditional rulers in their areas of operations.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Jos Electricity Distribution Plc, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed had condemned the incessant rate of vandalism of electricity installations especially distribution transformers in Benue State.

Represented by the Regional Manager of Otukpo Region, Mr Emmanuel Ameh, the Managing Director disclosed that the money that ought to have been used in expanding, stabilizing and consolidating the network was being used to repair and restore decapitated facilities.

He also urged customers in the state to endeavour to pay for their consumed energy when due to avoid the embarrassment of being disconnected.

The Managing Director further revealed that customers were indebted to the company to the tune of over one hundred and twenty billion naira (N120b).

"As it is today, customers are owing the company not less than N120b as debt from energy consumed. We can not pay the market if customers don't pay us.

"We hardly can collect 50% of the energy we gave to our customers on credit. If you don't pay, how can we be in business?

"The money you are paying goes down the chains as it has to trickle down to Gencos, Gas suppliers etc. You can now see why we keep urging customers to pay for their consumed energy ", he said.

In his contribution, the Chief Security Officer of the company, Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, said stringent times await vandals and energy thieves as adequate mechanisms were being put in place to lull their activities.

Alhaji Abdullahi disclosed that the company has concluded an arrangement to partner with the Federal Ministry of Justice and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to commence the prosecution of energy thieves.

In view of the above, customers were advised to desist from meter by-Pass, hooking, tapping and other electricity malfeasance including staff assaut to avoid prosecution.