Suspected Tranformer Vandal Lynched In Calabar South

By Christianah Oladosu,Osogbo

A suspected cable and transformer vandal was lynched by an angry mob in the early hours of Tuesday in Calabar, Cross River State.

The incident occurred around 5:00 am on Mayne Avenue in Calabar South Local Government Area, according to eyewitness accounts.

Residents said the man, whose identity had not been established as of press time, was apprehended by a local vigilante group, while other suspected members of his gang reportedly fled the scene.

The neighbourhood, including Mayne Avenue, Palm Street and surrounding areas, has suffered repeated power outages blamed on persistent transformer vandalisation.

An eyewitness, Amos Akpan, said residents recently contributed money to replace stolen components from a transformer, only for another part to be removed again this week.

Akpan accused vandals of deliberately targeting electricity infrastructure, describing their activities as the direct cause of prolonged blackouts in the area.

He alleged that the deceased was part of a syndicate specialised in cable theft and transformer vandalisation within the neighbourhood.

Police operatives later arrived at the scene and evacuated the remains of the deceased.

The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, confirmed awareness of the incident, saying the command would provide further details in due course.