Tragedy struck in the early hours of Sunday in Ueken Community, Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State, as an unidentified man lost his life while attempting to steal electric cables belonging to the community.
According to local sources who spoke to Ogoni Times, the deceased was suspected to be a well-known cultist and repeat offender notorious for theft and harassment in the area. Reports allege that he had previously been involved in stealing livestock and robbing residents of their valuables.
A member of the community vigilante group, who pleaded anonymity, recounted that the incident occurred around 2:00 a.m. when most residents were asleep. “He had climbed an electric pole and was in the process of hastily cutting the cables when power was suddenly restored. He was electrocuted instantly and fell, bringing down the wooden pole with him,” the source narrated.
The gruesome event has left members of the community shaken, as many lamented the increasing rate of cable theft and its consequences, which often include prolonged blackouts and infrastructure damage.
Authorities have yet to issue an official statement, and it remains unclear if the victim was acting alone or had accomplices. The body has since been removed, and security operatives are said to be investigating the incident.
The community is calling for stronger security measures, including the reinforcement of the local vigilante system, to forestall similar occurrences in the future.
