A yet-to-be-identified man was electrocuted on Wednesday morning at the Jigawa State New Secretariat Complex in Dutse, while allegedly attempting to vandalise high-voltage armored electrical cables.
The incident was confirmed by the Yobe State Police Command through its spokesperson, SP Lawan Shiisu, who said the police received a distress call around 10 a.m. from the Ministry of Works.
Upon arrival, officers from the Dutse Division led by the Divisional Police Officer, found the lifeless body of the man underneath a concrete slab containing the armored cables. Preliminary investigations suggest the deceased was attempting to steal or tamper with the cables when he was fatally electrocuted.
The body has since been moved to the Dutse General Hospital for further examination.
SP Shiisu used the opportunity to warn the public about the dangers of vandalising public infrastructure, especially electrical installations, which pose serious risks to life and property. He also condemned such acts as criminal and urged residents to report suspicious activities around public facilities.
“As the investigation continues, the police will provide more updates,” Shiisu added.
This incident adds to the growing concerns over the rise in vandalism of government property, a trend that authorities have repeatedly linked to power outages, infrastructure damage, and in some cases, loss of life.
