An unidentified man suspected of vandalism has died after being electrocuted while attempting to tamper with a power facility belonging to MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) in Enugu.
The incident occurred at a distribution substation located along Independence Avenue in the Independence Layout area of Enugu. According to the company’s Head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, the development is regrettable.
Ezeh explained that the man’s lifeless body was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday within the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation premises. Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect, believed to have been working with others, had already loosened two intermediate cables and was attempting to remove a third when electricity supply was suddenly restored, leading to his electrocution.
He added that the suspect was unlikely to have acted alone, as two of the removed cables were missing from the scene, suggesting that accomplices escaped with them.
The MEDL spokesperson expressed concern over the growing trend of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts negatively affect both the company’s operations and the quality of service provided to customers.
He urged residents to stay alert and cooperate with the company in curbing vandalism, stressing that protecting electricity installations requires collective effort from all stakeholders.
Ezeh further noted that vandalism remains a significant challenge in the power sector and can only be effectively tackled with public support. He expressed hope that the incident would serve as a warning to others engaged in similar activities.
The body of the deceased has been evacuated by the police and taken to the morgue at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital.
Vandalism of power infrastructure continues to hinder stable electricity supply in Nigeria. In 2025 alone, the Transmission Company of Nigeria reported 131 cases of such incidents nationwide.
Source: NAN
