In the early hours of Friday, an unidentified man met a tragic end while attempting to steal transformer cables within the premises of the Niger State Printing Press in Minna.
The lifeless body of the individual was discovered hanging on the transformer by employees of the printing press on Friday morning.
Aminu Ubandoma, the Head of the Legal Unit at the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), confirmed the incident to the media.
He revealed that the AEDC had been receiving numerous reports of transformer vandalism in the region and emphasized the need for immediate action to curb this alarming trend.
The company has been collaborating closely with law enforcement agencies, particularly the police, to tackle the issue and minimize instances of transformer vandalism.
DSP Wasiu Abiodun, the spokesperson for the Niger Police Command, also provided confirmation of the incident. According to Abiodun, at approximately 11:00 am on Friday, a report was received regarding a suspected case of electrocution and vandalism.
The incident transpired within the premises of the old secretariat area, located at the printing press, where the lifeless body of an unidentified adult male was discovered near a transformer.
Also found at the scene were a cable cutter and several vandalized cables, suggesting the individual had been attempting to steal them.
The unfortunate victim is believed to have been electrocuted during his unlawful act.
Following the discovery, the body was promptly transported to the General Hospital Minna by a Morris patrol team, where it was subsequently confirmed that the individual had tragically lost his life.
Efforts are currently underway to identify the deceased and locate his next of kin. The incident remains under investigation, with the collaboration of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) and law enforcement agencies to uncover further details surrounding the incident.