Benue transformer vandal electrocuted

Early on Tuesday, a middle-aged man, whose identity has not yet been determined, was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize a transformer and cables owned by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company. The incident took place opposite Queens Hotel in Ankpa Ward, Makurdi, the capital of Benue State.

Residents were shocked to find the man’s lifeless body suspended between two poles that connect the cables to the transformer. According to a local resident named Terkula, the victim exploited power outages in the area to carry out the vandalism. The man likely met his fate when power was unexpectedly restored.

Terkula explained, “We discovered this morning around 5 a.m. that electricity had been reinstated in some nearby areas. A few of our neighbors went to inspect the transformer and found the cables and other equipment missing, along with the man’s body hanging from the pole.”

The police were promptly notified, and the ‘D’ Division Police Station arrived to remove the body.

Dr. Adakole Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communications at JED, confirmed the incident and criticized the ongoing vandalism of company assets despite heightened security measures. He stated, “Protecting these assets has become an insurmountable challenge for us alone. We urge communities to take responsibility for the electricity facilities in their areas, as they are the primary users.”

Dr. Elijah emphasized that repeated vandalism incurs substantial costs for repairs and disrupts essential services, highlighting the negative impact on security, social stability, and economic benefits for the communities. He called on community policing groups and local vigilantes to help safeguard these critical assets.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident, noting, “I am aware of the electrocution that occurred in Wadata as the individual attempted to vandalize a transformer. We have received reports regarding this event.”