A middle-aged man, identified as Inalegwu Major, met a tragic end while attempting to vandalize a Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED) transformer in Otukpo, Benue State. The incident occurred near the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) office.

Eyewitnesses reported that the suspect’s lifeless body was found hanging on the transformer early Saturday morning. Sunny, an eyewitness, stated that the passerby who discovered the body raised the alarm. The victim, known for his notorious cable vandalism, had already removed some cable parts before power was restored.

“He had already started vandalising the installation at about 4 a.m. when power was suddenly restored, and as God would have it he could not escape electrocution after vandalising some of the armoured cable.

“We learnt that it was the scream from the spot by his gang members that attracted people’s attention because no one knew that they were vandalising the installation.

“The incident attracted a large crowd of people who thronged the Otukpo JAMB office to catch a glimpse of the victim.

“The victim and his gang may have been the unknown cable vandals who had been tampering with power installations in Otukpo town without being arrested, but this time owners of the installation arrested him unknowingly,” he said.

Adakole Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communication at JED, expressed shock that the suspect managed to climb the transformer pole despite tight security measures. He remarked, “That tells you it was deliberate, a clear case of vandalism. I’m sure he went with a very terrible motive, and unfortunately, he has paid with his life.”

Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for comment were unsuccessful.