Vandal dies while attempting to steal cables in Edo

A suspected vandal was electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal power cables from the Etete Injection Substation of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company Plc in Benin City, Edo State.

Operatives of the Etete Police Division evacuated the body from the facility on Tuesday morning.

The injection substation, which receives electricity from the transmission network and feeds it into the distribution network for onward supply to consumers, showed signs of damage following the failed vandalism attempt.

Speaking with journalists, BEDC’s Head of Branding and Corporate Communications, Evelyn Gbiwen, said the company received a report that a suspected vandal had been electrocuted after returning to the facility to continue stealing cables.

According to her, vandals suspected to be members of the same group allegedly invaded the substation on Sunday and carted away several copper cables before returning on Monday night.

She said that, anticipating another attack, the company’s Regional Head, Technical, directed personnel to remain on alert.

Gbiwen explained, “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.”

She renewed BEDC’s appeal to communities to help protect critical power infrastructure, describing vandalism as a growing menace across the company’s four franchise states.

“The destruction of electricity infrastructure continues to disrupt power supply and impose huge financial losses on the company. I urge residents living close to substations and transformers to be vigilant,” Gbiwen added.

Also speaking, the Regional Head, Technical, Benin South Region, Engr. Afebogbe Oguezor, said preliminary findings indicated that the suspects likely gained access by scaling the perimeter fence despite security at the facility.

Oguezor said BEDC was considering reinforcing the fence with barbed wire and other security measures to deter future attacks.