A suspected transformer vandal was lynched by a mob in Calabar South after repeated power outages blamed on cable theft

A suspected cable and transformer vandal was lynched by an angry mob in the early hours of Tuesday, 10 February 2026, on Mayne Avenue in Calabar South Local Government Area, Cross River State.

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Eyewitnesses reported that the unidentified man was apprehended by a local vigilante group, while other alleged members of his gang reportedly fled the scene.

Residents of Mayne Avenue, Palm Street, and surrounding areas have experienced recurring power outages, attributed to frequent transformer vandalisation.

Amos Akpan, a local resident, said neighbours recently pooled funds to replace stolen transformer components, only to have another part removed within the week.

Akpan accused vandals of deliberately targeting electricity infrastructure, stating their activities directly cause prolonged blackouts.

He added that the deceased was allegedly part of a syndicate specialising in cable theft and transformer vandalisation in the neighbourhood.

Police operatives later arrived and evacuated the remains of the deceased. Cross River State Police Public Relations Officer SP Eitiokpa Sunday Akata confirmed that the command is aware of the incident and will provide further details in due course.

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The incident highlights growing concerns over electricity infrastructure security in Calabar South, with residents urging stronger preventive measures against theft and vandalisation to avoid future tragedies.