A suspected vandal has been electrocuted while allegedly attempting to steal armored cables from an underground power facility at the Jigawa State Secretariat New Complex in Dutse.
The incident occurred around 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, according to officials from the Ministry of Works who reported the matter to police authorities.
Jigawa State Police Command spokesperson, SP Shiisu Adam, confirmed the incident in an official statement, revealing that officers led by the Divisional Police Officer of Dutse Division discovered the lifeless body of an unidentified male beneath a concrete slab that covered high-voltage electrical cables.
"The body, already in a state of decomposition, was evacuated to Dutse General Hospital for further examination," SP Shiisu stated.
Preliminary investigation suggests the individual died from electrocution while tampering with the electrical installation. The police have condemned the act and issued a strong warning about the dangers associated with tampering with live electrical infrastructure.
"This tragic incident underscores the fatal risks of vandalizing power installations. The public is strongly advised to avoid such unlawful and life-threatening activities," the command emphasized in their statement.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether the deceased acted alone or was connected to a larger network of vandals. Following the incident, security has been intensified around key infrastructure in Dutse and other areas across Jigawa State.
The police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public infrastructure to the nearest police station to prevent similar incidents in the future.
