Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Plc (PHED) has warned against vandalism of power infrastructure following the electrocution of a suspected vandal in Rivers State.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Friday, April 24, at about 4:30 a.m. in Oginigba Community, Port Harcourt. The suspect, said to be in his late twenties, died at the scene after disconnecting a pot insulator from a high-tension pole.

It was gathered that the Divisional Police Officer of Trans Amadi Division described the suspect as a notorious criminal who had been on the run for various offences before the incident.

Confirming the development, Head of Corporate Communications at PHED, Olubukola Ilevbare, described the situation as “unfortunate” and said the vandal was a victim of his own trade.

She said that just as Khalifa finished disconnecting the pot insulator, power supply was restored and he was electrocuted.

Ilevbare expressed concern over the rising spate of vandalism targeting electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts affect both the company’s revenue and service delivery to customers.

She emphasised that tackling vandalism requires collective responsibility, particularly from customers.

“It is a battle we must all fight collectively because once these installations are vandalised, invariably, the customers served become severely impacted. It is hoped that the death of Khalifa, who paid the ultimate price with his life, will serve as a deterrent to others involved in such criminal activities.

“For the purpose of public awareness, there are extant laws guiding the prosecution of electricity offenders, sometimes with up to 21 years’ imprisonment,” she said.

She added that “investigation is currently ongoing to identify and apprehend other accomplices involved in the habitual act of vandalising the company’s infrastructure.”

Meanwhile, PHED said it has upgraded Mbodo Aluu Community in Obio Akpor Local Council of Rivers State to Band A to improve electricity supply and support economic activities.

Ilevbare said the community will now receive a minimum of 20 hours of power supply daily, having previously been on Band D and supplied through an 11kV feeder.

She explained that six new 500kVA transformers were installed across the community, alongside the replacement of associated equipment, including conductors, pot insulators, disc insulators, channel irons and poles.

According to her, the intervention reflects PHED’s commitment to service delivery and infrastructure development, while commending residents for settling outstanding electricity bills.

Residents of the community also expressed appreciation to the company for the upgrade. (Guardian)