A man whose identity remains unknown and in his thirties has been electrocuted in an attempt to allegedly destroy a campaign billboard in Challenge area of Ibadan metropolis.

The man who got electrocuted was attempting to destroy one of the campaign billboards of a gubernatorial candidate in Oyo State, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, the candidate of Accord Party in the 2023 elections.

An eyewitness said the man got electrocuted when he touched the electric wire beside the billboard at the Challenge area of Ibadan on Friday.

The eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity said that the residents of the area had already warned the man against destruction of the campaign billboard.

He said: “We had cautioned him against destroying peoples’ properties around, but suddenly, we saw him shaking, and no one could move closer to him as it is obvious that he had mistakenly touched the electric wire beside the billboard.”

Media Director, Bayo Adelabu Campaign Organisation, Mr. Bolaji Tunji, also confirmed the incident.

Tunji explained that there have been different reports of destruction of campaign billboards in the State. He added that Adelabu expressed deep regret about the incident.

“We heard of the unfortunate incident. There have been different reports on what the guy was doing. Some said he was fixing the billboard while others said he was vandalizing it. Whichever it is, no one wishes for the death of anyone, not any citizen of Oyo State. Even if he was vandalizing the board, we would rather engage him positively rather than wish him that fate.

“Oloye Bayo Adelabu expresses deep regret about the incident and prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased. May the Almighty Allah accept him in Aljanah firdaus. His heartfelt condolences go to the family of the unfortunate individual,” he said.

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