Enugu man ‘shocked to death’ while vandalizing electricity’s substation

By Stanley Nwanosike

A yet-to-be-identified vandal suspect has been electrocuted while attempting to steal items from the MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) substation located on Independence Avenue, at Independence Layout, Enugu.

The lifeless body of the vandal was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday within the premises of the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation, the Head of Communications, MEDL, Mr Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed to journalists in Enugu on Tuesday.

Ezeh who described the incident “as unfortunate” noted that the deceased, alongside his accomplices, had reportedly succeeded in loosening two intermediate cables from the substation.

He said they were in the process of removing the third when electricity supply was restored, resulting in his electrocution.

“It is presumed that the deceased did not act alone, as two of the vandalised intermediate cables were missing from the scene, an indication that his accomplices had fled with them,” he said.

He expressed concern over the increasing rate of vandalism, targeting electricity infrastructure within the network.

The MainPower spokesman noted that such activities not only impacted the company’s revenue but also adversely affected the quality of service delivered to customers.

Ezeh called on customers to remain vigilant and collaborate with the company to prevent acts of vandalism that result in significant inconvenience.

He further emphasised that vandalism remained a major challenge, which could not be effectively addressed without the active support of customers, who were critical stakeholders.

“It is a battle we must all fight collectively because once these installations are vandalised, customers served by them are severely impacted.

“It is hoped that the death of this young man, who paid the ultimate price with his life, will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities.

“The remains of the electrocuted suspect have been evacuated by officers of the Nigeria Police and deposited at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) morgue,” he added.

(NAN)