A 28-year-old electrician has died after being electrocuted while working on a high-tension cable in Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The tragic incident occurred at the Odo Babaode area of the town when the victim reportedly attempted to fix an electrical fault on an active Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) power line without shutting down the feeder.
The General Manager of the Oyo State Fire Service, Mr. Yemi Akinyinka, confirmed the incident in a statement to the press. He said the fire service received a distress call at exactly 3:29 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.
“Upon receiving the call, our men, led by PFS1 Peluola Babatunde, responded immediately,” Akinyinka explained. “On arrival at the scene, we found the victim had already been electrocuted. All necessary safety precautions were taken to secure the area and protect nearby residents.”
He added that the deceased was retrieved and handed over to police officers from the Eruwa Divisional Police Station.
“The man was confirmed dead and the case has been transferred to the appropriate authorities for further investigation,” Akinyinka said.
Although the identity of the victim has not been disclosed, residents of the area have expressed sorrow over the loss and called for stricter safety protocols in handling live electricity faults.
Meanwhile, authorities have reiterated the dangers of attempting electrical repairs without proper coordination with the electricity distribution company to shut down power lines beforehand.