By Adesakin Adefemi
A suspected transformer vandal was burnt to death by a mob in Calabar, Cross River State, on Tuesday at Palm Street by Target Junction. The incident marks the second such case in the same neighborhood, following a similar incident on February 10, 2026.
The police confirmed the incident, stating that items recovered at the scene include an old-model electricity meter box, copper wire, and electric cables, suspected to be vandalized materials.
ASP Eitokpah Sunday, Police Public Relations Officer, warned that mob action or jungle justice is unacceptable and urged the public to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution.
The local government authorities and Environmental Health Services have been contacted to evacuate the corpse. Residents have expressed frustration over frequent transformer vandalism, leading to prolonged power outages.
The police have begun investigations and efforts are underway to identify and apprehend other suspects involved.
According to experts, transformer vandalism is a significant issue in Nigeria, often resulting in widespread power outages and economic losses. The Nigerian government has been working to address the problem, but more needs to be done to prevent such incidents and protect citizens.
The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of suspected vandals and the need for communities to report suspicious activities to the authorities. Residents said the area has been experiencing frequent power outages due to transformer vandalism.
The police have assured the public that they are taking the incident seriously and will bring those responsible to justice. The community is urged to cooperate with the police to prevent such incidents in the future.
This incident highlights the need for increased security measures to protect public property and prevent vandalism. The authorities must take concrete steps to address the issue and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The people of Calabar and Cross River State as a whole deserve a safe and secure environment, and it is the responsibility of the authorities to provide it.
