Angry mob lynch transformer vandal in C’River

IDONGESIT INYANG, CALABAR

A suspected transformer and cable vandal has been lynched by an angry mob in Calabar, Cross River State.

He was apprehended by a local vigilante group while other suspected members of his gang reportedly fled the scene.

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

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

Residents said the deceased and his gang, specialise in cable theft and transformer vandalisation within the neighbourhood.

His identity had not been established as of press time, but he has been accused of deliberately targeting electricity infrastructure, describing his activities as the direct cause of prolonged blackouts in the area.

The neighbourhood, including Mayne Avenue, Palm Street and surrounding areas, it is learnt, suffer repeated power outages and persistent transformer vandalisation.

Residents of the area further disclosed that they recently contributed money to replace stolen components from a transformer, only for another part to be removed again this week.

The Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata, when contacted, promised to provide further details on the matter.