A large crowd gathered on the main highway in the Otukpo area of Benue State, eager to catch a glimpse of the shocking scene where the lifeless body of a young man, identified as Inalegwu Major, was found dangling from a transformer.
According to reports, the suspect allegedly attempted to vandalize a transformer belonging to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company, located near the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) office in Otukpo.
Eyewitnesses suggest that the suspect may have been electrocuted while attempting to vandalize the transformer, succumbing to fatal electrical shocks in the process.
Another eyewitness who simply identified himself as Sunny said the dangling body of the suspect was noticed around 5:00am on Saturday by a passerby who raised an alarm.
Sunny said, “It was around 5am this morning (Saturday) that a passerby raised the alarm of the lifeless body on a transformer, compelling several people to besiege the place to catch a glimpse of the suspect.
A resident of the area said that the victim who was known as a notorious cable vandal had succeeded in removing some cable parts before power was restored.
Confirming the incident, the Head, Corporate Communication of JED company, Dr Adakole Elijah, expressed shock that the victim could climb the transformer pole despite the tight security.
He said, “The truth is that the transformer is properly safeguarded, the transformer was mounted on a pole, so it beats my imagination that someone would climb that pole.
“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.”
Attempts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer, Catherine Anene, for her comment or reaction were unsuccessful, as her phone went unanswered, ringing out repeatedly.
