A young man, identified as Terhide Garfa, was discovered dead near a transformer in the Kanshio community of Makurdi metropolis, Benue State.
The incident occurred around 3:45 pm on Thursday, raising concerns among local residents.
Eyewitnesses reported finding Garfa’s lifeless body within the fenced area of the transformer.
The circumstances of how he gained access to the restricted area remain unclear.
Nick, a local resident, recounted, “Someone said that he heard him (deceased) say that he wanted to speak to his mother or he would kill himself, but the person did not know if he was able to speak to his mother or not.
The next thing people saw was his lifeless body close to the transformer.”
Dr. Adakole Elijah, the Corporate Affairs Manager of Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), described the incident as strange.
“We found it strange that a transformer that was fully fenced, somebody could enter into the place and we don’t know really what happened; whether it was a case of suicide or attempted vandalism.
The pictorial evidence shows that the man forced himself into the transformer.
JED has always warned people not to go close to its installations,” Elijah said.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Benue Command, SP Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding Garfa’s death.
“The investigation to unravel the circumstances behind the man’s action has already begun,” Anene said.
As the community grapples with the shocking incident, authorities are urging residents to stay clear of electrical installations and report any suspicious activities around such facilities.
