A suspected cable vandal has been electrocuted to death in Jigawa State while allegedly attempting to cut a high-tension cable along the Ringim-Sintilimawa Road. The incident occurred at approximately 9:00 a.m. on Friday, July 31, 2026, and was confirmed by the Jigawa State Police Command in a statement issued on Sunday, August 2.
Discovery of the Body
According to police, a distress call was received earlier that morning about a motionless body seen lying along the Ringim-Sintilimawa Road. A patrol team from Ringim division promptly responded and found the body with visible burn injuries. The victim sustained severe burns on both hands, the chest, and the pelvic area, indicating a powerful electric shock.
Items discovered at the scene included:
- a pair of hand gloves
- a hacksaw
- several sacks
These items strongly suggested that the deceased was in the process of vandalising the electrical installation at the time of the incident. Police investigators collected the evidence for further examination, while the body was conveyed to the hospital for autopsy and confirmation of death.
Police Account
The spokesperson for the command, SP Shi'isu Adam, confirmed the incident and provided details in the statement. He said, "On 31/07/2026 at about 0900hrs, a distress call was received that a body was seen lying motionless along Ringim to Sintilimawa Road."
Adam further explained, "Upon receipt of the report, the patrol team from Ringim rushed to the scene. It was observed that there were burns on both hands, the chest, and the pelvic area of the victim. A hand gloves, a hacksaw, and some sacks were discovered at the scene. He is suspected the person was electrocuted while trying to vandalise the electric cable."
The body was taken to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed that the man was dead. The police are currently making efforts to identify the remains, as the case remains under investigation. The police command's swift response to the distress call was acknowledged by residents, who appreciated the quick arrival of the patrol team. However, many expressed concern that the incident could have been prevented with better surveillance of power installations.
Warning to Residents
SP Adam took the opportunity to warn the public against engaging in vandalism of critical infrastructure. He stated, "The Command urges residents to desist from tampering with electrical installations and to report suspicious activities to the nearest police station."
He also assured that the police remain committed to protecting lives and property. "The Jigawa State Police Command remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will prosecute anyone found culpable in such criminal acts," he added. The warning also extends to parents and community leaders, who are urged to educate young people on the severe consequences of vandalising public utilities. The police emphasised that electricity cables carry lethal voltage, and any attempt to tamper with them can be fatal.
Residents React
Residents of the area, who spoke to The Punch in separate telephone interviews on Sunday, expressed shock and sadness over the death. A trader, Mallam Lawal, who uses the route daily, said, "We heard the sound and later saw police at the scene. It is sad because vandalism is destroying our electricity."
Haruna Illa, a farmer from a nearby village, recounted, "I was going to my farm when I saw the body and tools on the ground. People said he wanted to cut cable and got shocked."
A commercial driver, Ibrahim Danladi, who regularly plies the Ringim-Sintilimawa route, lamented, "We have been suffering power outages. If this is true, then vandals are putting their lives at risk and also affecting communities."
Impact on the Community
This latest incident underscores the dangers of infrastructure vandalism, which has been a recurring problem in Nigeria. Such acts lead to costly repairs, prolonged power outages, and in this case, a tragic loss of life. The community suffers from disrupted power supply, affecting households, businesses, and essential services such as healthcare.
The tragic death serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with cable theft, a crime that continues to cause widespread disruptions across the region. Power outages resulting from vandalism affect not only homes but also hospitals, schools, and small businesses, which rely heavily on stable electricity.
The police have called on residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest station. Investigations are ongoing to determine the full circumstances of the incident and to identify the deceased, as authorities continue their efforts to curb criminal damage to public utilities.
