Suspected Power Vandal Dies in Rivers as Electricity Firm Warns of Rising Infrastructure Sabotage
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Port Harcourt, Nigeria – A suspected attempt to tamper with critical power infrastructure has turned fatal in Rivers State, as electricity authorities warn of growing threats to public safety and power supply.
The Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that a man identified as Khalifa, believed to be in his late twenties, died while allegedly attempting to remove components from a high-tension installation in Oginigba, Port Harcourt.
According to the company’s spokesperson, Olubukola Ilevbare, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. on April 24, when the victim reportedly interfered with live electrical equipment.
Power was said to have been restored shortly after the component was removed, resulting in the fatal outcome.
The company described the incident as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with vandalising electricity infrastructure, noting that such acts often plunge entire communities into darkness and disrupt economic activities.
It warned that tampering with electrical installations attracts severe legal penalties, including imprisonment, while confirming that efforts are ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to similar activities.
Meanwhile, the company announced an upgrade in electricity supply for Mbodo Aluu community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, which has now been moved to Band A—entitling residents to a minimum of 20 hours of power daily.
The improvement, according to the company, followed infrastructure upgrades and improved customer compliance with billing obligations.
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