by Rachel Ogbu

Three people including a teenager were electrocuted in Makurdi, Benue State after they tried an illegal act with Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) power transmission lines, reports say.

It is believed they were involved in the criminal activity of vandalizing PHCN cables and illegal manipulating lines at different points in the state capital.

According to reports, the Senior Special Assistant to Benue State Governor on Public Utilities, Gadaffi Asemanya was shocked as to why anybody would put themselves in such danger and infringed on the property of PHCN without due authorization.

[READ: How ‘okada’ rider died from electrocution in Lagos ]

“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,” he said.

“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.”

[READ: Gov. Rotimi Amaechi’s driver dies from electrocution in Government House ]

“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.

An eyewitness had told reporters that 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.

Police are still conducting further investigations following the tragedy.