An unidentified man died from electrocution while attempting to steal cables from a power distribution substation in Enugu, Nigeria, early Tuesday morning. The incident occurred at the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation on Independence Avenue, operated by MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL).
According to MEDL’s Head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, the victim’s body was found within the substation premises. Reports indicate the individual, along with accomplices, had already removed two intermediate cables and was handling a third when electricity supply was unexpectedly restored, causing the fatal shock.
Investigators believe the act was not solitary. Two vandalised cables were missing from the scene, suggesting accomplices fled with the stolen items. The deceased’s identity is yet to be established.
The case highlights persistent threats to Nigeria’s power infrastructure. Ezeh stated that cable theft and vandalism directly reduce utility revenue and degrade service quality for customers. He urged public vigilance and collaboration, describing the protection of electrical installations as a shared responsibility critical to community welfare.
“Once these installations are vandalised, customers served by them are severely impacted,” Ezeh said, adding that the death should serve as a deterrent to others engaged in such crimes.
Police officers retrieved the body and deposited it at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) morgue for identification and autopsy.
Vandalism of power equipment remains a significant operational challenge for distribution companies across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged outages and economic loss. MEDL emphasized that sustainable security for the grid depends on active community partnership alongside corporate and law enforcement efforts.
