In Damaturu, Yobe State, a man was electrocuted while attempting to steal a live wire from a transformer substation located at the Commissioners’ Quarters of the Yobe State government. The incident occurred when the man came into contact with an exposed live wire.
According to Blessing Tunoh, spokesperson for the Yola Electricity Distribution Company (YEDC), the man died instantly from the electrocution. YEDC’s Regional Manager of Operations and a maintenance officer were dispatched to the scene after the incident was reported. The body was later transported to Damaturu Teaching Hospital by the Damaturu police patrol team, known as “Operation Haba Maza.”
Tunoh noted that the deceased’s relatives arrived at the hospital and identified the body. The investigation revealed that the man had attempted to use his shirt as protection while tampering with the live wire. Despite his efforts, the contact with the live cable led to his immediate death. Fortunately, the transformer remained undamaged, and there were no additional reports of vandalism.
DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, Police Public Relations Officer for Yobe State Command, confirmed that the theft attempt occurred around 1:00 a.m. He explained that a power outage had been in effect when the man entered the transformer substation. However, when power was restored, the man was electrocuted. His body was discovered early in the morning by residents heading to the mosque for prayers.
Abdulkarim added that the incident was reported to the Maisandari ‘B’ Division of the Police Command in Yobe, which sent personnel to retrieve the body. The police will continue to work with YEDC to safeguard their infrastructure and take legal action against those who vandalize power assets.
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