A vandal of electricity facilities belonging to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) was yesterday morning electrocuted in Enugu State.

MEDL’s Head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed the incident to journalists, described it as “unfortunate.”

He stressed that the body of the vandal was discovered 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 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, an indication that his accomplices had fled with them.

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

Ezeh called on customers to remain vigilant and collaborate with the company to prevent acts of vandalism that result in significant inconvenience.

He further emphasised that vandalism remained a major challenge, which could not 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 will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities,” he added

He clarified that the electrocuted suspect’s remains had been evacuated by the police and deposited at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) morgue.