Vandal electrocuted while stealing electricity cables in Benue

A middle-aged man has been electrocuted while attempting to vandalise a Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) transformer and cables near Queens Hotel, Ankpa Ward in Makurdi, Benue State.

The lifeless body of the man was discovered on Tuesday morning between the upriser poles mounted by the transformer.

According to residents, the man was attempting to sabotage the installation during a power outage in the area.

According to an eyewitness, Edoga, a local resident, said the deceased was trying to vandalise the installation when there was a power outage, and suddenly there was restoration of power, and he couldn’t escape death

He said, “This morning, some houses had light. Worried residents, thinking there might be a problem with the power transformer serving part of the community, went there only to find the lifeless body of a young man. It appears he was trying to vandalise the transformer and its armoured cables. It seems the vandal was working on the installation when power was suddenly restored, and he could not escape in time.”

The incident was immediately reported to the Police at the “D” Division, who arrived at the scene to evacuate the body.

Dr. Adakole Elijah, Head of Corporate Communications for JED, confirmed the incident. He lamented that this was the second time in the last 20 to 30 days that a vandal had been electrocuted in Makurdi.

“It is obviously impossible for JED to singlehandedly protect our installations,” Elijah said. “That is why we are advising and pleading with communities to take ownership of electricity facilities in their areas because these facilities serve them.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident.