A 30-year-old man, identified as Alkama Mohammed, died from electrocution on Thursday morning while attempting to vandalise a high-tension cable near Matrix Filling Station in Calabar.
The incident happened around 5:10 a.m. Mohammed tried to cut a high-tension cable owned by the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC).
Residents later discovered his body beneath a concrete electric pole near an uncompleted building in the area.
Police officers who visited the scene confirmed the death. They observed severe burns and injuries on his left wrist and lower abdomen. Investigators believe the electric shock threw him off the pole.
ASP Sunday Eitokpah, spokesperson for the Cross River State Police Command, said the Divisional Police Officer of the Federal Housing Division received a distress call and sent officers to the location.
“Preliminary investigation shows that the deceased attempted to vandalise high-tension cables before the electrocution occurred,” Eitokpah said.
Police identified Mohammed as a native of Kwade Village in Quanpan Local Government Area of Plateau State. Officers also recovered an iron saw blade, which they believe he used during the attempt.
Health workers from the Calabar Municipal Local Government Area were contacted promptly, and necessary procedures were carried out while investigations continue.
The police command warned the public against vandalism and other criminal activities that endanger lives and critical infrastructure.
