By PETER DURU, Makurdi
A teenager and two others have been reportedly electrocuted in parts of Makurdi town after they allegedly tampered with Power Holding Company of Nigeria, PHCN, power transmission lines.

Saturday Vanguard gathered from eyewitnesses yesterday that the victims met their untimely death in the process of vandalizing PHCN cables and illegal manipulation of the lines at different points in the state capital.

According to the eyewitness, one of the victims was a secondary school teacher who in an attempt to exchange the source of electricity to his residence got himself entangled in one of the power lines.
”He was burnt and electrocuted instantly and nobody could get to him nor attempt to rescue him from the live cables because it would have been suicidal ,” he said.
Corroborating the story, the Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor on Public Utilities, Mr. Gadaffi Asemanya who regretted the death of the victims wondered why they infringed on the property of PHCN without due authorization.

”It is actually unfortunate that the three persons lost their lives but these unfortunate incidents should serve as warning to all persons who have made it  a habit to always tamper with PHCN facilities because it is the common practice in most places today.

”You will recall that just few weeks ago, a 16 years old boy was almost roasted by PHCN high tension cables when he attempted to vandalise the lines. It took my personal intervention with the assistance of PHCN staff and security personnel to rescue him from where he was trapped.

”We cannot continue in our lawlessness; the government of the day is doing its best to ensure that it improves our living condition but unfortunately some persons have taken it upon themselves to frustrate these efforts of government.

”How can anybody in his right senses take an adventure on PHCN power lines? It is unthinkable because its suicidal, but people are doing it for reasons best known to them; and it is rather unfortunate,” Asemanya added.
When contacted, the  Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO in the state, DSP Daniel Ezeala said the command was still investigating the matter.