An unidentified man has been electrocuted while attempting to tamper with a MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) substation in Enugu State.
The incident took place at the Akonobi 500KVA Distribution Substation on Independence Avenue, Independence Layout, the News Agency of Nigeria reported.
Confirming the event on Tuesday, MEDL’s Head of Communications, Emeka Ezeh, described the occurrence as tragic.
He said the man’s body was discovered within the substation in the early hours of the day.
Ezeh explained that the deceased, reportedly acting with accomplices, had already loosened two intermediate cables and was trying to remove a third when power was suddenly restored, causing the fatal electrocution.
“It seems the victim was not alone, as two of the cables were missing from the site, indicating that others may have fled with them,” Ezeh said.
He warned that attacks on electricity infrastructure are on the rise, disrupting power supply and affecting MEDL’s operations.
He urged residents to stay alert and assist in safeguarding electricity facilities.
“Vandalism is a serious challenge that can only be curbed with the support of the public. We hope this incident discourages others from engaging in such crimes,” Ezeh added.
The police evacuated the deceased’s body and deposited it at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital morgue.
Vandalism continues to threaten stable electricity supply across Nigeria.
In 2025 alone, the Transmission Company of Nigeria recorded 131 cases of such attack.
