A yet-to-be-identified suspected vandal of electricity facilities belonging to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) was electrocuted on Tuesday morning in Enugu.

MEDL, Head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed the incident to journalists, described it as “unfortunate” and stressed that the lifeless body of the suspected vandal was found within the premises of the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation, along Independence Avenue, Independence Layout, Enugu.

He added that the deceased, along with his accomplices, had reportedly succeeded in loosening two intermediate cables from the substation and was in the process of removing the third when the electricity supply was restored, resulting in his electrocution.

According to Ezeh, it is presumed that the deceased did not act alone, as two of the vandalised intermediate cables were missing from the scene, which indicates that his accomplices had fled with them.

He expressed concern about the rising rate of vandalism targeting the electricity infrastructure within the network, noting that such activities not only impact the company’s revenue but also adversely affect the quality of service delivered to customers.

Ezeh urged customers to remain vigilant and collaborate with the company to prevent vandalism that causes significant inconvenience.

He further emphasised that vandalism remains a major challenge, which cannot be effectively addressed without the active support of customers, who are critical stakeholders.

“It is a battle we must all fight collectively because once these installations are vandalised, customers served by them are severely impacted.

“It is hoped that the death of this young man, who paid the ultimate price with his life, will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities”, he added.

He clarified that the remains of the electrocuted suspect have been evacuated by officers of the Nigerian Police and deposited at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) morgue.