Metro
Suspected Transformer Vandal Electrocuted In Benue
From Attah Ede, Makurdi
A suspected electricity vandal identified as Inalegwu Elias Major, has been electrocuted in Otukpo area of Benue State.
It was gathered that the incident occurred at the early hours of Saturday when the late victim attempted to vandalize Jos Electricity Distribution Company, JED transformer located at the JAMB office in Otukpo, Otukpo LGA of the State.
Eyewitnesses who saw the lifeless body of Inalegwu dangling at the transformer located at the JAMB office Otukpo, said the incident took place around 04:00 am when public power was restored.
According to the witnesses who spoke on condition of anonymity, the victim was said to be a known cable vandal.
They said Inalegwu had succeeded half way after cutting away several cables with the knife and plier in his possession before JED suddenly restored power.
The Head of Corporate Communications JEDC, Dr. Adakole Elijah confirmed the incident to newsmen on phone in Makurdi.
According to him, the incident happened yesterday(Friday) night, saying that the victim got electrocuted while attempting to vandalise a transformer in the area.
” It was a transformer belonging to the JAMB office being used for Computer Based Tests(CBT)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 vandalize 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”, Adakole stated.
He called on those vandalizing JED properties to desist from such acts and urged the general public to safeguard transformers in their domains to enable the company to serve them better.
