An unidentified young man was burnt to death on Tuesday in Calabar, the capital of Cross River State, over allegations of vandalising an electricity transformer.
The incident occurred at Palm Street by Target Junction, reportedly at the hands of a mob that included members of the local vigilante team. The victim was attacked and burnt before police arrived at the scene.
Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday, confirmed the incident, stating that a police patrol was mobilised upon receiving information. “Upon arrival, the burnt corpse was found in front of the transformer.
Items recovered at the scene include an old-model electricity meter box, a piece of copper wire, and electric cables, suspected to be vandalised materials,” he said.
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The police also noted that local government authorities and the Environmental Health Services were contacted to evacuate the body.
ASP Eitokpah warned that mob action or jungle justice is illegal and unacceptable.
“Members of the public are strongly advised to hand over suspects to the police for proper investigation and prosecution rather than take the law into their own hands,” he added.
This is the second such incident in the same neighbourhood within a month. On February 10, 2026, another unidentified man was reportedly burnt alive at dawn over allegations of vandalising a transformer.
Authorities continue to appeal for calm and adherence to legal processes in handling suspected criminal activities.