Vandal dies while attempting to steal cables in Edo

A suspected vandal has died after being electrocuted while attempting to steal power cables from the Etete Injection Substation of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc (BEDC) in Benin City, Edo State. The body was discovered by operatives of the Etete Police Division on Tuesday morning.

According to BEDC's Head of Branding and Corporate Communications, Evelyn Gbiwen, vandals, believed to be part of the same group, had initially invaded the substation on Sunday and stolen several copper cables. They reportedly returned on Monday night to continue their illicit activities. BEDC personnel were on alert due to the anticipation of another attack.

Gbiwen explained that the suspect was electrocuted after mistakenly cutting what he thought was an earthing cable. Instead, it was a neutral cable connected to a power transformer, which triggered an electrical explosion. This incident caused visible damage to the injection substation, which is crucial for distributing electricity to consumers.

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The suspect was electrocuted after mistakenly cutting what he believed was an earthing cable, but which was actually a neutral cable connected to the power transformer, triggering an electrical explosion.

BEDC has renewed its appeal to communities to assist in protecting critical power infrastructure, emphasizing that vandalism is a growing menace across the company's franchise states. The destruction of electricity infrastructure not only disrupts power supply but also inflicts substantial financial losses on the company. Gbiwen urged residents living near substations and transformers to remain vigilant.

Engr. Afebogbe Oguezor, the Regional Head of Technical for Benin South Region, added that preliminary findings suggest the suspects gained access by scaling the perimeter fence, despite existing security measures. BEDC is considering reinforcing the fence with barbed wire and implementing other security enhancements to prevent future attacks.

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I urge residents living close to substations and transformers to be vigilant.