A suspected vandal was found dead inside a transformer substation at Commissioners’ Quarters in Damaturu, Yobe State’s capital.
The body was retrieved by the Damaturu police patrol unit, “Operation Haba Maza,” and transported to the Damaturu Teaching Hospital mortuary. There, it was later identified and claimed by the suspect’s relatives.
Following the incident, the Regional Manager and the Operations and Maintenance Officer of the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC) visited the site.
Blessing Tunor, the YEDC Communication Officer, explained that the deceased had tried to use his shirt to shield himself while tampering with an exposed live wire. Unfortunately, he came into contact with the live cable, resulting in instant electrocution. The transformer, however, was undamaged, and no further vandalism occurred.
Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, stated that the suspect had attempted to steal power equipment during a power outage but was electrocuted when power was restored.
“His body was discovered early in the morning by residents on their way to the mosque for prayers. The incident was quickly reported to the Maisandari ‘B’ Division of the Yobe State Police Command, which deployed officers to remove the body,” he added.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to supporting YEDC in safeguarding power installations and prosecuting vandals who disrupt services.