Suspected thief electrocuted to death in Benue

The Benue Police Command says a suspected vandal, Inalegwu Elias, was electrocuted while attempting to vandalize a transformer of the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) in Otukpo.

Spokesperson of the command, SP Sewuese Anene, who confirmed the incident on Saturday in Makurdi, said the victim was found dead, hanging from the double poles of the transformer, on Saturday morning.

Meanwhile, an eyewitness revealed that Inalegwu’s lifeless body was seen hanging from the transformer located at the JAMB office in Otukpo.

According to them, the incident occurred around 4 a.m. on Saturday, when public power was restored.

The victim, believed to be a known cable vandal, was halfway successful after cutting several cables with the knife and pliers in his possession before JED abruptly restored power.

Additionally, Mr. Adakole Elijah, JED Corporate Communications Manager, said the incident had been reported to the police.

“Yes, it happened last night and he was electrocuted. This was a transformer belonging to the IT transformer for upright.

“So I can confirm that the electrocution is real. This was a clear attempt to vandalize the transformer. Here we have a strong wave of transformer vandalism in Otukpo town.

“The truth is that the transformer is properly protected, it is a pole mounted transformer.

“So that someone could climb is beyond my imagination. That tells you it was deliberate, a clear case of vandalism.

“I’m sure he went there with very terrible motives and unfortunately he paid for it with his life,” he said.