A middle-aged man, whose identity is yet to be established, was electrocuted early Tuesday morning while attempting to vandalize a transformer and cables belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company in Makurdi, Benue State.
The incident took place opposite the Queens Hotel in Ankpa Ward, where residents awoke to the grim sight of the man’s lifeless body hanging between two poles connected to the transformer.
According to a local resident identified as Terkula, the victim apparently took advantage of a power outage in the area to carry out the act.
However, he was fatally electrocuted when electricity was unexpectedly restored. “We woke up this morning at about 5 am and discovered that electricity had been restored in some areas and streets close to ours. A few of our neighbors went to check the transformer, and that’s when we saw the lifeless body on the pole,” Terkula said.
The residents immediately alerted the authorities, and officers from the ‘D’ Division Police Station arrived to remove the body.
The Head of Corporate Communications at JED, Dr Adakole Elijah, confirmed the incident and expressed concern over the ongoing vandalism of electricity infrastructure in Benue State, despite efforts to enhance security around these installations.
“It has become impossible for the company to protect these assets single-handedly,” Elijah stated.
“We are pleading with communities to take ownership of electricity facilities in their areas because these facilities serve them directly. Vandalism not only disrupts services but also poses risks to the safety and economic well-being of the community.”
Elijah emphasized the financial burden JED faces in repeatedly repairing vandalized equipment and urged community members, including local policing groups and vigilantes, to assist in safeguarding these essential assets.
The incident was also confirmed by the Benue State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, who said, “I am aware that someone was electrocuted in Wadata while attempting to vandalize a transformer. A report was received about the incident.”
Authorities continue to investigate the incident while reiterating the dangers and consequences of vandalizing public utilities.
