A middle-aged man on Monday lost his life in a tragic incident while attempting to vandalize a transformer belonging to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC).
The unidentified individual had managed to cut some cables in the transformer located along Airport Road in the Benin metropolis before being fatally electrocuted.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, drew the attention of bystanders who were shocked by the scene unfolding before them.
Passers-by who were drawn to the scene early morning, expressed anger towards the deceased for causing persistent power outages in the area.
It was a grim confirmation of their suspicions as the thief met his death.
A resident of the area, Mr. Emmanuel attributed the tragic outcome to a ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality of the youths.
He emphasized the importance of diligence in wealth acquisition, urging youths to pursue legitimate means of earning a living to avoid such untimely deaths.
Reacting, the Acting Head of Corporate Communications, BEDC Evelyn Gbiwen, said the incident underscored the dangers of energy theft and vandalism.
She lamented the recurring incidents of sabotage within the company’s operational areas across Edo, Delta, Ondo, and Ekiti states.
She said despite repeated warnings from the company, such acts persist, leaving communities in darkness and posing significant hazards to both individuals and infrastructure.
Gbiwen appealed to residents to remain vigilant and assist in safeguarding BEDC’s facilities against vandals.