In a tragic turn of events, an unidentified man met his untimely death while attempting to vandalize an electrical transformer in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, has left residents both alarmed and reflective about the growing menace of cable theft in the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that the man had scaled the fence of the transformer station under the cover of darkness. Armed with crude tools, he attempted to cut the high-voltage cables when he was struck by a powerful electric current. The impact reportedly threw him several feet away, leaving his lifeless body at the scene.
Residents of the area, awakened by the loud spark and commotion, rushed to the scene to find the charred remains of the alleged vandal. A community leader, Alhaji Musa Adamu, expressed concern over the increasing cases of vandalism, describing it as a threat to public safety and infrastructure. "We have suffered constant power outages due to these vandals. This incident, while unfortunate, is a stark reminder of the risks involved in such criminal activities," he said.
The police have since cordoned off the area, and efforts are underway to identify the deceased. The Adamawa State Police Command has called on the public to provide information that could help with the investigation, reiterating the dangers of tampering with high-voltage installations.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) condemned the act, emphasizing the significant financial losses and disruptions caused by cable theft. A spokesperson for TCN stated, "We urge communities to assist in safeguarding these installations, as they are critical to delivering uninterrupted power supply."
As the tragic incident sends shockwaves across Jimeta, it serves as a grim cautionary tale about the dire consequences of cable theft—a practice that endangers lives and destabilizes essential services.
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