In a recent tragic series of events in Damaturu, the capital of Yobe State, Nigeria, a suspected individual was electrocuted while attempting to steal a high tension cable from a transformer substation at the Commissioners Quarters. Blessing Tunoh, the Communications Officer of Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), reported this in a statement issued in Yola.
According to Tunoh, the Regional Operations Manager of the company went to the scene accompanied by the Maintenance Officer after receiving a report of the incident. The body of the suspect was evacuated from the substation by the Damaturu Police Patrol Team, dubbed “Operation Haba Maza” and taken to the Damaturu Teaching Hospital.
The deceased’s relatives went to the hospital to identify the body of the victim and conducted his burial.
Investigation by the authorities revealed that the deceased tried to protect himself using his shirt while handling the high voltage cable during his illegal act. Unfortunately, the contact with the electric cable resulted in his instant electrocution but the transformer was not damaged.
The company spokesperson quoted DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, the Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, as saying that the deceased attempted to steal electrical goods at around 1am.
The accident occurred when the vandal entered the transformer substation while there was a power outage but was electrocuted as soon as the power was restored. His lifeless body was discovered early in the morning by residents heading to the mosque for morning prayers.
The incident highlights the risks involved in theft of electrical infrastructure, not only to the safety of the thieves themselves but also to the stability of the electricity grid and the provision of services to the population.
It is imperative that enhanced security measures are put in place to prevent such acts of vandalism and protect the infrastructure that is crucial to the smooth running of the electricity sector. Collaboration between local authorities, electricity companies and law enforcement is essential to prevent such tragedies in the future.
In conclusion, this sad incident is a reminder of the importance of raising public awareness about the dangers of illegal tampering with electrical installations and underlines the need for continued cooperation to protect vital infrastructure and ensure the safety of all.