An unidentified suspected vandal has suffered severe burns, while allegedly stealing Dead-over-head Lines, close to Timber 33kv lines in Oyigbo Local Council of Rivers State. The cables belong to the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution (PHED) Plc.

It was learnt that the vandal had arranged to auction the cables in an open electricity market with buyers waiting.

A statement, yesterday, by the Head, Corporate Communications, PHED, John Anonyai, said, “management of the firm strongly frowns at such illicit behaviour and has continued to sensitise the public on dangers associated with vandalism.”

“Lately, vandalism is on a rapid rise and remains the central reason majority of customers suffer untold hardship in darkness without knowing what happens every now and then,” Anonyai said.

Also, acting Managing Director of the firm, Ochuko Amah, said it was unthinkable for anyone to dare to vandalise an energised equipment serving members of the public for no logical reason.

“The management has zero tolerance for such illicit acts that cost the company fortunes to replace when such money should be reinvested into the system for service improvement.

“Just in case the vandals are unaware, there are extant laws ranging from the ESPRA Act (2005), Miscellaneous Offences Act and the Nigerian Criminal Code that enable the courts of law to convict vandals,” the statement read.

He advised residents to step up vigilance around PHED installations. (The Guardian)

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