A suspected vandal has been found dead inside a transformer substation located at Commissioners’ Quarters 1, Damaturu, Yobe State.
In a statement by the Communication Officer of Yola Electricity Distribution Company, Blessing Tunoh revealed that the suspect’s body was evacuated by the Damaturu police patrol team “Operation Haba Maza” and taken to the mortuary at the Damaturu Teaching Hospital after which his relatives identified and claimed the corpse.
Upon receiving the report, the Regional Manager and the Operation and Maintenance Officer of YEDC visited the scene.
Investigations revealed that the deceased had attempted to use his shirt to shield himself while tampering with an exposed live wire during the illegal act. Unfortunately, contact with the live cable led to his instant electrocution but the transformer was not damaged, and no further vandalism was reported.
According to the Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, police investigations revealed that the suspect attempted to steal power assets at about 1:00 a.m. or thereabout during a power outage but was electrocuted when power was suddenly restored.
His lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of the morning by residents on their way to the mosque for morning prayers. The incident was promptly reported to the Maisandari ‘B’ Division of the Yobe State Police Command which deployed personnel to evacuate the body.
“We will continue to support the YEDC in protecting their installations and prosecuting arrested vandals who damage power infrastructure and disrupt services.” DSP Dungus stated.