Man electrocuted while vandalising transformer in Benue

A middle-aged man, whose identity has not yet been confirmed, was electrocuted early Tuesday while attempting to vandalize a transformer and cables owned by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED). The incident occurred opposite Queens Hotel in Ankpa Ward, Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

Residents discovered the man’s lifeless body hanging between two poles connected to the transformer when they awoke. According to one resident, Terkula, the victim took advantage of the power outages in the area to carry out the vandalism. It is believed he was electrocuted when power was unexpectedly restored.

Terkula said, “We woke up around 5 am to find that electricity had been restored in some nearby areas. Some of our neighbors went to check the transformer and found that all the cables and other equipment had been removed, with the lifeless body found on the pole.”

The incident was reported to the ‘D’ Division Police Station, and officers came to remove the body.

Dr. Adakole Elijah, Head of Corporate Communications at JED, confirmed the incident and condemned the ongoing vandalism of the company’s assets despite heightened security measures. He stated, “Protecting these assets has become nearly impossible for the company alone. We urge communities to take responsibility for the electricity facilities in their areas, as they benefit directly from them.

“Each act of vandalism results in substantial costs to restore services, only for the facilities to be damaged again. While the assets belong to the company, it is the communities that are ultimately served. Vandalism compromises community safety and disrupts social and economic benefits. We continue to appeal to local communities, including community policing and vigilantes, to help protect these facilities.”

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident, stating, “I am aware of the electrocution in Wadata during an attempted vandalism of a transformer. I have received a report on this matter.”