A suspected electricity cable vandal has been electrocuted while attempting to steal electrical components from a Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) installation in Calabar, Cross River State.
The fatal incident occurred in the early hours of Monday at the New Airport axis of Calabar South Local Government Area, according to eyewitness accounts.
Local residents reported that the unidentified man was spotted moving suspiciously around PHEDC installations with a torchlight shortly before power supply to the area was interrupted. The vandal's attempt to tamper with the electrical components resulted in electrocution.
"One of the vandals in the area has been caught," a witness told BenriNews, highlighting growing concerns about the increasing incidents of electricity infrastructure theft in the region.
The identity of the deceased remains unknown, prompting community members to launch efforts to identify the victim and determine his origin. This incident comes amid rising cases of vandalism targeting government installations in Calabar.
When contacted, both police and PHEDC authorities indicated they would provide official statements on the incident later. The case underscores the deadly risks associated with tampering with electrical infrastructure, as well as the economic impact of vandalism on public utilities.
Vandalism of electrical infrastructure remains a significant challenge for power distribution companies across Nigeria, often resulting in extended power outages and costly repairs that affect service delivery to legitimate consumers.
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