A suspected vandal targeting electricity installations owned by MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited was electrocuted yesterday morning in Enugu State.
The incident was confirmed by the company’s Head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, who described the development as “unfortunate” while speaking with journalists.
Ezeh disclosed that the lifeless body of the suspect was found within the premises of the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation located along Independence Avenue in the Independence Layout area of Enugu.
He explained that the deceased, reportedly working with accomplices, had already loosened two intermediate cables from the facility and was attempting to remove a third when power supply was suddenly restored, leading to his electrocution.
According to him, there are indications that the suspect did not act alone, as two of the removed cables were no longer at the scene, suggesting that other individuals fled with them.
Ezeh raised alarm over the rising cases of vandalism affecting power infrastructure within the company’s network, noting that such acts not only reduce revenue but also disrupt service delivery to consumers.
He urged electricity users to stay alert and work closely with the company in tackling vandalism, which often causes widespread inconvenience.
He further stressed that curbing vandalism requires collective responsibility, highlighting the role of customers as key stakeholders in safeguarding public utilities.
“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.
Ezeh also confirmed that the remains of the deceased had been recovered by the police and taken to the morgue at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH).
