16 yr-old cable vandal survives electrocution
A 16-year-old boy, Terseer Iorparegh, was yesterday caught stuck in a
high tension cable while attempting to vandalize the PHCN cable along
Naka road in Makurdi.
Vanguard gathered from the Senior Special Assistant to Governor
Gabriel Suswam on Public Utilities, Mr. Gaddafi Asemanya who was at the
scene said residents of the area were woken up by shout of help from the
young man around 2.am on Thursday only to behold the teenager hanging
between the high tension cable after he had suffered shock and first
degree burns
Asemanya said the teenager who had removed the lower cable climbed
the PHCN pole to vandalize the upper cable when his leg touched a line
which caused a spark and fire which spread over his body while he
persistently shouted for help.
According to the governor’s aide, “vandalism of PHCN property has
become a serious issue in Benue State, in the last one year. I have
apprehended over 30 vandals, while some were prosecuted many of these
persons were set free because PHCH has no legal team to ensure the
prosecution of these suspects”, he said.
The Special Assitant further disclosed that the suspect was receiving medical attention at the Federal Medical Centre, Makurdi where he lied critically ill with no one coming to identify him.
Reacting, PHCN spokesman, Uche Oranya who appreciated the prompt action of the residents of the area, as well as that of the governor’s aide called on security operatives to ensure adequate safeguard of PHCN facilities in the state.
Source: Vanguard