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

The head of communications at MEDL, Emeka Ezeh, who disclosed the incident to journalists in Enugu on Tuesday, described the incident as unfortunate.

Mr Ezeh said the lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified vandal suspect was discovered within the premises of the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation, a facility belonging to MEDL, in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to him, the deceased, alongside his accomplices, had reportedly succeeded in loosening two intermediate cables from the substation and was in the process of removing the third when the 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 impact the company’s revenue and adversely affect the quality of service delivered to customers.

Mr Ezeh called on customers to remain vigilant and to collaborate with the company to prevent acts of vandalism that cause 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)