Unidentified Thief Dies While Stealing Transformer Cables at Government Secondary School Owerri

In a shocking incident that unfolded at Government Secondary School Owerri in Imo State, an unidentified man lost his life while attempting to steal transformer cables during the early hours of Wednesday morning. The incident, believed to have occurred around 1 am, has raised concerns about the security of critical infrastructure.

The school's security personnel, Mr. Iwu, revealed that the man likely gained access to the school premises by jumping over the fence late at night. The transformer, a valuable asset donated to the school by the 1970 class of the Old Boys Association, became the unfortunate site of the electrocution.

SEE: Historic Extension: Imo State Extends Teachers' Retirement Age to 65, Gov Uzodinma Signs Landmark Bill into Law

Mr. Iwu speculated that the tragic event coincided with the restoration of power by the electricity company at 1 am. The lifeless body was discovered inside the transformer, surrounded by barbed wires, on the left side of the school's entrance gate the following morning.

SEE: Imo State Government Urged to Prioritize Gender-Inclusive Education Reforms

The school's Principal, Mr. Chukwujindu Anyikwa, an Old Boy himself, reported the incident to the Secondary Education Management Board (SEMB) and Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC). Authorities from both organizations visited the scene to assess the situation.

SEE: Imo Philanthropist Announces Significant Expansion of Scholarships for Tertiary Students in 2024

Highlighting the aftermath, Principal Anyikwa shared that the Police Spokesman, Henry Okoye, advised them to contact the DPO Shell Camp Police Station. Following proper procedure, they made an entry at the police station, and it was then suggested that they proceed to the Federal University Teaching Hospital Owerri mortuary with a police report. Mortuary attendants eventually arrived with an ambulance to evacuate the deceased's body.

In response to the incident, the Imo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Henry Okoye, confirmed the tragedy. He emphasized the importance of increased security measures, particularly during the night, urging the school authorities to engage additional security personnel to prevent such incidents in the future.