A suspected cable thief met his end on Sunday in Yola, Adamawa State, after being electrocuted while attempting to vandalize a transformer near Ribadu Square.
The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje.
The unidentified man, described as middle-aged, was discovered half-burnt and unconscious atop the transformer.
The statement explained, “The Adamawa State Police Command has today, 19/01/2025, found a yet-to-be-identified person at the electric transformer along Ribadu Square around 0600hrs, while trying to vandalize some electrical cables. Unfortunately, a part of his body came in contact with live electric current, causing a severe electric shock and leaving him unconscious.”
Authorities said the man’s body had been evacuated to a hospital for further examination, while investigations were ongoing to uncover accomplices or additional recoveries related to the crime.
In light of the incident, the Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, Dankombo Morris, issued a warning to residents to steer clear of electrical installations.
“Members of the public are advised to stay away from electrical transformers and cables. Report anyone seen loitering around these facilities to the police for immediate action,” Morris stated.
The incident comes amid widespread power outages in several parts of Adamawa State, attributed to the activities of vandals targeting electrical infrastructure. Authorities reiterated their commitment to tackling such criminal acts and restoring normalcy to affected communities.
Residents were urged to cooperate with security agencies by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities.
