C’River: Suspected transformer vandal burnt to death

… Police launch manhunt

From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar

A young man suspected to be a transformer vandal was on Monday burnt alive in Calabar, Cross River State.

The suspect allegedly attempted to vandalize an electricity transformer within the Palm street and Atu area of Calabar South local government area.

Luck ran out of him when an angry mob apprehended and lynched him in the wee hours of the day.

Some eyewitnesses say the suspect whose identity has not been ascertained was caught around midnight at Atu Street by Palm Street while attempting to tamper with a power transformer.

Residents woke up this morning found the charred remains of the suspect lying on the roadside.

The incidence of transformer vandalization has been rife within the area and affected electricity consumers are made to face the penalty for such action by being kept in darkness for ages.

This has overtime made some irate members of the community take extreme measures against persons suspected of involvement in the act.

The state police command has confirmed the incident and also disclosed that investigations have commenced.

Igris Ewa, the Deputy Police Public Relations Officer said ” it’s true. Action has been taken and the command is aware.

“Investigations have commenced and we are out to fish out the perpetuators”, he said.

He also warned against the practice of jungle justice saying citizens should allow the law to take its course.