OKRIKA, RIVERS STATE — A yet-to-be-identified man has reportedly been electrocuted to death while allegedly attempting to vandalise a transformer at Abam-Ama community in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, was discovered by members of the Civilian Joint Task Force during a patrol of the community.
The Civilian Joint Task Force Commander in Okrika LGA, Igwe Godswill, who disclosed the incident to journalists, said the man was believed to have been electrocuted after electricity was restored to the area while he was allegedly tampering with the transformer.
According to Godswill, members of the group were alerted about the incident and proceeded to the location, where they reportedly found the man’s lifeless body near the transformer.
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He said items allegedly found at the scene included saw blades, a torch and other equipment, which raised suspicion that the deceased may have been attempting to remove components from the transformer.
“When we got to the scene, we saw saw blades, a torch and other items. From all indications, he went there to steal from the transformer, and when power was restored in the middle of the night, he was electrocuted. That was how he died,” Godswill said.
The commander said the incident had been reported to the Okrika Police Division for investigation.
He condemned the alleged increase in transformer vandalism and other forms of criminal activity in communities, warning residents and youths against engaging in acts that could endanger lives and disrupt electricity supply.
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Godswill urged youths in the area to seek legitimate means of livelihood rather than resorting to theft and vandalism.
“We are calling on everybody, especially the community and the youths, to shun stealing and look for something meaningful to do. There are different ways to feed your families, not by stealing,” he said.
He also appealed to residents to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious movements and activities to security agencies.
“We are also encouraging everybody to remain vigilant in their communities. Whenever you notice strange movements or suspicious activities, you should alert the security agencies so they can intervene,” he added.
Meanwhile, the identity of the deceased has not been established.
The commander explained that suspected vandals sometimes travel from distant communities to carry out their activities, making it difficult to immediately identify those involved.
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The police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man’s death and determine exactly what occurred at the transformer.
Authorities have repeatedly warned that tampering with electrical installations is extremely dangerous and can result in electrocution, injuries, loss of life and prolonged disruption of electricity supply to communities.
Cruise TV News will continue to monitor developments as authorities investigate the incident.
