- A suspected vandal was electrocuted while attempting to steal a live wire from a transformer substation in Damaturu, Yobe State.
- The deceased’s body was recovered by police and identified by relatives, with no damage reported to the transformer or further vandalism.
A suspected vandal was electrocuted while attempting to steal a live wire from a transformer substation at Commissioners’ Quarters in Damaturu, Yobe State. The incident occurred when the individual was tampering with exposed live wires, leading to his immediate electrocution.
Blessing Tunoh, Communications Officer for Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), reported the event in a statement released on Saturday, August 14, 2024. According to Tunoh, the company’s Regional Manager, Operations, and a police patrol team, “Operation Haba Maza” responded to the scene. The suspect’s body was recovered from the substation by the Damaturu police and transported to Damaturu Teaching Hospital for identification.
Tunoh detailed that the deceased’s relatives came to the hospital and confirmed the identity of the body. The investigation revealed that the suspect had tried to use his shirt to protect himself from the live wire, but this precaution was insufficient. The contact with the live cable resulted in his electrocution. Fortunately, the transformer was not damaged, and no additional vandalism was reported at the site.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, Police Public Relations Officer for Yobe Command, explained that the theft attempt occurred around 1:00 a.m. The area experienced a power outage when the suspect entered the transformer substation. Power was unexpectedly restored during his illegal activity, which led to the electrocution.
Residents discovered the body in the early morning as they headed to the mosque for prayers. The incident was promptly reported to the Maisandari ‘B’ Division of the Police Command, which dispatched officers to handle the situation.
Abdulkarim emphasised the police’s commitment to supporting YEDC in safeguarding its infrastructure. The police will continue to help protect power assets and prosecute those responsible for vandalism and service disruptions.
This incident highlights utility companies’ ongoing challenges in securing their infrastructure against theft and vandalism.