Akwa Ibom Transformer Vandal Meets Tragic End in Failed Heist

A suspected transformer vandal met a grim fate in Eket, Akwa Ibom, after an attempted theft at a power facility ended in tragedy. The lifeless body of the man was discovered beside the targeted transformer, belonging to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC), in the early hours of Wednesday, March 19.

Confirming the incident, PHEDC’s Regional Manager, Mr. Anthony Etim, stated that the failed heist occurred around 3 a.m. at a transformer located on Party House Road in Ikot Ibiok. Eyewitnesses quickly identified the deceased as a resident of the Mkpok area of Eket.

Police arrived at the scene and removed the body, while Etim lamented the frequent attacks on power infrastructure, which have left many customers in prolonged darkness.

“Vandalism is a daily occurrence,” he said. “This time, one of them met his end. We’ve been urging communities to protect their electricity facilities because these criminals operate from within.”

Etim emphasized that the deceased had no affiliation with PHEDC and warned residents to stay vigilant in safeguarding power installations. While unable to provide an exact figure, he confirmed that numerous transformers across Eket had been vandalized in recent months.

As authorities continue their investigation, residents are being reminded that protecting public infrastructure is a collective responsibility.