Suspected transformer vandal electrocuted in Benue

An unidentified man was electrocuted while trying to vandalise the Jos Electricity Distribution Company transformer located close to the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board office in Otukpo, Benue State.

The corpse of the man was found hanging on the transformer on Saturday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the suspect might have been electrocuted while trying to vandalise the transformer.

An eyewitness known as Sunny speaking via phone on Saturday said the dangling body of the suspect was noticed around 5:00 am on Saturday by a passerby who raised the alarm.

He said, “It was around 5 am this morning (Saturday) that a passerby raised the alarm of the lifeless body on a transformer leading to several people besieging the place to catch a glimpse of the suspect.”

A resident in the area said the victim was known as a notorious cable vandal and had succeeded in removing some cable parts before power was restored.

Confirming the incident, the Head, Corporate Communication of JED company, Adakole Elijah expressed shock that the victim could climb the transformer pole despite the tight security.

Elijah said, “The truth is that the transformer is properly safeguarded, the transformer was mounted on a pole, so, it beats my imagination that someone would climb that pole.

“That tells you it was deliberate, a clear case of vandalism. I’m sure he went with a very terrible motive and unfortunately, he has paid with his life.”

Efforts to get the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene for her reaction were not successful as her phone rang out.