A suspected electricity vandal identified as Inalegwu Elias Major, was electrocuted yesterday while attempting to tamper with a Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) transformer in Otukpo, Benue State.
Witnesses reported seeing Inalegwu’s lifeless body hanging from the transformer located at the JAMB office in Otukpo.
They claimed the incident occurred around 4:00 am when public power was restored.
The deceased was allegedly known for his involvement in cable vandalism and that he had already managed to cut several cables with a knife and pliers before power was suddenly restored by JED, leading to his electrocution.
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The incident however drew a large crowd to the JAMB office, where people gathered to view the scene.
Dr Adakole Elijah, the Head, Corporate Communications, JED, while confirming the incident said, “Yes it happened yesterday night and he (deceased) got electrocuted. It was a transformer belonging to the Computer Based Test centre for JAMB.
“The case has been reported to the police and I’m also in talks with the managers of the CBT.
“So I can confirm that the electrocution is true. It was an obvious attempt to vandalise the transformer. We have a high spate of transformer vandalism in Otukpo town here.
“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 has paid with his life.”
State Command Public Relations Officer of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Superintendent of Corps, Mike Ejelikwu, also confirmed the incident to our correspondent in Makurdi.
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