Crime

See How Man Was Electrocuted While Attempting to Steal Transformer Cables in Enugu

Published by Tope Fakinlede on June 30th, 2024.

See How Man Was Electrocuted While Attempting to Steal Transformer Cables in Enugu

An unidentified individual suspected of vandalizing electricity infrastructure was electrocuted while attempting to steal transformer cables belonging to the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC).

In a statement released on Friday, Emeka Ezeh, the Head of Corporate Communications at EEDC, detailed the incident which occurred early that morning.

Describing the situation as “tragic and very unfortunate,” Ezeh expressed concern over the increasing frequency of vandalism targeting the company’s electrical installations.

Ezeh explained, “In the early hours of today (Friday), the lifeless body of a yet-to-be-identified vandal was discovered within the vicinity of a distribution transformer owned by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc, located on Missionary Avenue, Coal Camp, Enugu.”

“It appears that the deceased was electrocuted when power was restored while he was attempting to cut the armoured cables,” he added.

Ezeh highlighted the significant challenge that vandalism poses to EEDC, stressing that addressing this issue requires the support of essential stakeholders.

He further lamented the daily occurrences of criminal activities against EEDC’s network, noting that these acts severely affect both service quality to customers and the company’s revenue.

In a related statement, EEDC addressed a misleading video circulating on social media. The video, created by Mazi Okechukwu Cyril Nwuche, a purported lecturer at Nnamdi Azikiwe University and Chairman of the South East Electricity Consumers Association in Anambra State, falsely claimed that EEDC is offering free prepaid meters to its customers.

EEDC clarified, “This information is not only incorrect but also intended to mislead unsuspecting customers and create confusion.”

The company encouraged customers in need of meters to apply through the proper channels, emphasizing the importance of accurate information and understanding the correct procedures for meter acquisition.