An unidentified man has died after being electrocuted while attempting to vandalize a transformer at a company located on Awolowo Road in the Ikoyi area of Lagos State. The tragic incident reportedly occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 1.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident in a statement released on Sunday. According to the statement, the deceased climbed the gate beside the transformer when he came into contact with a live electric current, causing him to fall into the company’s compound, where he died instantly.
“The individual attempted to vandalize the transformer and was electrocuted. He fell into the compound and died on the spot,” Hundeyin said.
The incident was reported to the police by a security guard on duty at the company. The security guard was the first to notice the attempted theft and immediately alerted the authorities.
Following the report, a team of anti-crime patrol officers was dispatched to the scene. They documented the situation by taking photographs of the deceased. Additionally, the Ikeja Electric Distribution Company (formerly PHCN) was contacted for assistance.
Hundeyin confirmed that the man’s remains were eventually transported to the mortuary. The police are still investigating the matter, though the identity of the man remains unknown as of this report.
This incident underscores the persistent issue of transformer vandalism in Nigeria, which often leads to fatal consequences. The vandalism of transformers has not only posed risks to the perpetrators but has also led to widespread power outages in many areas, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities.
In related cases, there have been reports of individuals getting electrocuted while attempting similar acts. In Benue State, a similar incident was recently reported, highlighting the dangers associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure.
As authorities continue to battle this menace, the Lagos State Police Command has urged the public to report any suspicious activities around power installations to prevent further incidents.
