BREAKING: Suspected Electric Cable Vandal Electrocuted in Calabar South
By Ndifereke Bassey
A tragic incident occurred in the early hours of today (Monday) at the New Airport community in Calabar South, Cross River State, as a suspected electricity cable vandal was electrocuted while attempting to steal electrical components from a Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) pole.
The incident reportedly took place around 2:30a.m. near the Poultry Farm axis of the community. Eyewitnesses say the man was seen with a torchlight, moving suspiciously around the PHEDC installations shortly before the power supply was interrupted.
One eyewitness, Emmanuel Udo, who spoke exclusively to THE BEAGLE NEWS, said he spotted the suspect around 2:00a.m. while returning home from a night out at Ekpo Abasi, where he had been celebrating Chelsea Football Club’s recent victory.
“I initially thought he was a member of the local vigilance group, so I didn’t raise the alarm,” Udo said. “But I noticed he was getting closer to the electric poles. As soon as the power went out, I got a bit nervous and decided to drive straight home.”
Udo added that about five minutes after arriving home, power was restored by PHEDC.
“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,” he explained.
By morning, residents discovered the man’s lifeless body suspended between two electric poles. Community members have since launched an effort to identify the victim and determine where he came from.
When THE BEAGLE NEWS visited the scene, dozens of residents were gathered, expressing shock and curiosity. While some spoke in hushed tones, others expressed a sense of relief.
“At least one of them has been caught,” said a local resident who declined to be named. “We’ve been in darkness for weeks because of the activities of these vandals.”
The PHEDC and local authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
