Vandal Electrocuted While Stealing Cables in Edo State

A suspect vandal died from electrocution while attempting to steal cables at a Benin Electricity Distribution Company PLC (BEDC) substation in Benin City, Edo State. The incident occurred on Tuesday morning, following a series of thefts where the group allegedly invaded the substation on Sunday to steal copper cables.

Evelyn Gbiwen, BEDC's Head of Corporate Communications, reported that the suspect mistakenly cut what was believed to be an earth cable, which was actually a neutral cable connected to a power transformer, triggering an electrical explosion. Gbiwen renewed BEDC's appeal for community assistance in protecting critical power infrastructure, describing vandalism as a growing menace across the company's four franchise states.

Engr. Afebogb Oguezor, the Regional Head of Technical for BEDC, indicated that the suspect gained access by scaling the perimeter fence despite security measures.

BEDC is considering reinforcing security with barbed wire to deter future attacks.