Suspected transformer vandal electrocuted in Benue

From Scholastica Hir, Makurdi

A middle aged man, suspected to be a transformer vandal, Elias Inalegwu, has been electrocuted in Otukpo Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue state.

It was gathered that the suspect was electrocuted at the early hours of Saturday when he attempted to vandalize Jos Electricity Distribution Company, (JEDC) transformer in Otukpo.

Residents who saw his lifeless body dangling at the transformer located at the CBT JAMB office Otukpo, told newsmen that the incident took place around 4am when public power supply was restored.

The victim who was said to be a known cable vandal had succeeded half way after cutting several cables with the knife and plier before JED suddenly restored power.

Speaking, Head of Corporate Communications, JEDC, Dr Adakole Elijah, confirmed the incident lamenting the high cases of transformer vandalism in the area.

He said “It happened yesterday night and he got electrocuted. The case has been reported to the police and I’m also in talks with the managers of the CBT.

“It was an obvious attempt to vandalize the transformer. We have high spate of transformer vandalism in Otukpo town.

“The truth is that the transformer is properly safeguarded, it’s a pole mounted transformer. So for someone to climb it beats my imagination. That tells you it was deliberate, a clear case of vandalism. I’m sure he went with a very terrible motive and unfortunately, he paid with his life,” he said.

He called on those vandalizing JED properties to desist from such acts and urged the general public to safeguard transformers in their domain to enable the company serve them better.