A middle-aged man, whose identity remains unknown, was electrocuted on Tuesday morning while attempting to vandalize a transformer and cables owned by Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) in Makurdi, Benue State. The incident occurred near Queens Hotel in Ankpa Ward. Residents discovered the man’s lifeless body hanging between two poles around 5 a.m., following the unexpected return of electricity.
According to a local resident named Terkula, the man appeared to have taken advantage of a power outage to carry out the vandalism, but was electrocuted when power was restored. The incident was reported to the ‘D’ Division police station, and the body was subsequently removed by officers.
Dr. Adakole Elijah, Head of Corporate Communications at JED, confirmed the incident and condemned the ongoing vandalism of electrical installations in the state, despite increased security efforts.
He urged local communities to take ownership of electricity facilities in their areas, stating that these assets are meant to serve them.
“It has become practically impossible for the company to single-handedly protect these assets. We are advising and pleading with communities to take responsibility for safeguarding electricity facilities, as it is them that the facilities serve,” Elijah stated.
He further noted that the repeated vandalism not only imposes significant financial burdens on the company but also poses risks to the security, social, and economic well-being of the affected communities.
The Public Relations Officer for the Benue Police State Command, SP Catherine Anene, also confirmed the incident, stating: “I am aware that someone was electrocuted in Wadata while attempting to vandalise a transformer. I received a report about that.”
