Cross River: Suspected Transformer Vandal Found With Burn Injuries After Explosion

A suspected transformer vandal has been found with burn injuries following an explosion that disrupted electricity supply in parts of Calabar, Cross River State, the police have said.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, October 12, 2026. According to the police, residents, including a man identified as Emmanuel, reported the incident at about 10:15 a.m., saying they heard a loud explosion around 2:21 a.m.

In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, said officers from B Division, Calabar, responded to the report and rescued the injured suspect. He was taken to the police station before being conveyed to a hospital for medical attention.

The police said preliminary investigations suggested that the suspect had identified individuals to whom he allegedly sold items. He also reportedly admitted to previous acts of transformer vandalism in the area.

Investigators are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion, determine the extent of the alleged criminal activity and identify other people who may have been involved.

The Commissioner of Police in Cross River State, CP Ajo Geoffrey Ordue, warned that the vandalism and theft of electricity infrastructure could endanger lives and disrupt essential services.

Ordue urged residents to report suspicious activities around transformers, electricity cables and other public utility installations to the nearest police station. He cautioned against confronting suspected offenders directly.

The police said investigations were ongoing and emphasised that the suspect remained entitled to the presumption of innocence under the law.