Suspected transformer vandal electrocuted in Benue

 A middle-aged man was electrocuted while allegedly attempting to vandalise a transformer and cables belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company.

The incident occurred opposite Queens Hotel, located at Ankpa Ward in Makurdi, the Benue State capital in the early hours of Tuesday, September 3, 2024.

Residents awoke to find his lifeless body hanging between two poles connecting the cables to the transformer.

One of the residents who identified himself as Terkula, said that the victim allegedly took advantage of power outages in the area to commit the act, adding that the man likely got electrocuted when power 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. So, a few of our neighbours went to check the transformer,” he said.

“When we arrived at the site, we found that all the cables and other installations had been removed, and we saw a lifeless body on the pole. We promptly informed the ‘D’ Division police station, and they came to remove the body.” 

Dr Adakole Elijah, Head of Corporate Communications at JED, who confirmed the incident condemned the activities of vandals in Benue State despite tight security around JED installations.

“It has become practically impossible for the company to single-handedly protect these assets. That is why we are advising and pleading with communities to take ownership of electricity facilities in their areas, as it is them that the facility serves,” Elijah said.

“Each time our facilities are vandalised, we spend significant amounts of money to restore services, only for them to be vandalised again. While the assets belong to the company, the communities are the end users.

“Vandalism of these facilities puts communities at risk in terms of security, social, and economic benefits. We continue to plead with people, especially community policing and vigilantes, to assist in safeguarding these assets.”

The spokesperson of the State Police Command, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident. 

“I am aware that someone was electrocuted in Wadata while attempting to vandalise a transformer. I received a report about that," the PPRO added.