A suspected electricity cable vandal has been electrocuted while attempting to steal electrical components from a Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) pole.
The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of today (Monday) at the New Airport community in Calabar South, Cross River State, around 2:30 am near the Poultry Farm axis of the community.
Eyewitnesses say the man was seen with a torchlight, moving suspiciously around the PHEDC installation shortly before the power supply was interrupted.
An eyewitness, who spoke exclusively to our reporter, said he spotted the suspect around 2:00 am while returning home from a night out at Ekpo Abasi, where he had been celebrating Chelsea Football Club’s victory.
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“I suspect he climbed the pole as soon as the lights went off, assuming it was safe.
“But unfortunately for him, the electricity was quickly restored, and he got electrocuted while attempting the theft.
“By morning, residents discovered the man’s lifeless body suspended between two electric poles, and community members have since launched an effort to identify the victim and determine where he came from,” he said.
When our reporter visited the scene, dozens of residents were gathered, expressing shock and curiosity while some spoke in hushed tones, expressing a sense of relief.
“At least one of them has been caught,” said another resident who declined to be named.
“We’ve been in darkness for weeks because of the activities of these vandals.”
However, the PHEDC has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
