Suspected Vandal Electrocuted While Attempting to Steal Transformer Components in Ede, Osun State
A suspected vandal, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, suffered a severe electrocution injury while attempting to steal vital components from a 500KVA transformer located at a substation in Ede town, Osun State. The incident occurred late Wednesday night on Baba Abiye Street, a location within the jurisdiction of the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), Osun Region.
The information was officially released in a statement signed by Kikelomo Owoeye, the Regional Communication and Branding Officer, representing the management of IBEDC Osun Region. The statement was made available to the press on Friday, detailing the circumstances surrounding the unfortunate event.
According to the statement, the suspect had forcibly accessed the transformer with the intent to steal valuable parts, presumably for resale or scrap. During the course of the illicit activity, the individual came into direct contact with live electrical components, resulting in an electric shock that left him critically injured. The victim collapsed beside the transformer and remained there overnight.
The following morning, a local resident conducting routine activities discovered the injured man lying beside the transformer. The resident promptly raised an alarm, alerting neighbors and eventually the local authorities. Emergency services were quickly mobilized to the scene.
The police responded swiftly, taking immediate action by transferring the injured suspect to Alpha Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Additionally, law enforcement officials apprehended an accomplice believed to have been involved in the vandalism attempt. The accomplice is currently in police custody pending further investigation.
In the statement, IBEDC strongly condemned the act of vandalism, emphasizing the significant dangers such criminal behaviors pose not only to the perpetrators but also to the wider community. The company highlighted that vandalism of electricity infrastructure not only endangers human lives but also disrupts power supply, affecting businesses, homes, and essential public services.
IBEDC further praised the vigilance of the local residents, whose prompt action in reporting the incident and summoning help was crucial in managing the aftermath. The company called on the public to remain alert and cooperative in safeguarding electricity infrastructure.
To strengthen community involvement in protecting critical infrastructure, IBEDC urged residents to report any suspicious behavior, including energy theft, meter tampering, or vandalism, to the appropriate authorities without delay. They emphasized that collective efforts between the public, law enforcement, and the utility company are vital to ensuring reliable and safe electricity supply across the region.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with tampering with electrical equipment and the importance of maintaining public vigilance to prevent such hazardous activities.