Suspected Tansformer Vandal Set Ablaze as Fire Razes Shops in Anambra

By Praise Chinecherem

A suspected transformer vandal was set ablaze by irate youths in Ifite village in Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State.

This is even as no fewer than five shops were on Thursday razed at Ifite road in Awka, the state capital.

It was gathered that the deceased was among a seven-man gang transformer vandals who operated in two buses from Onitsha following a tip off.

An eyewitness who pleaded anonymity said the suspects carried out the act at about 11.pm while residents had gone to bed following heavy down pour that night.

He said, “The vandalism lasted till about 2.am before one of the villagers raised an alarm which attracted youths who collaborated with local vigilante in the area and went for the vandals.

“On sensing the villagers and the security, four of them jumped into the bus they came with and escaped.

“The second bus was about escaping with the remaining three when the youths pursued them and one of the vigilante shot at the tire of the vehicle.

“While the suspects jumped down to escape into the nearby bushes, the security operatives shot one of them and set him ablaze, while other two escaped.”

Meanwhile, the five shops in Awka were reportedly raised when a cooking gas cylinder exploded at a cooking gas refilling retailer’s shop at Ifite road.

Confirming the incident, State Fire Chief, Engr Martin Agbili said no life was lost in the inferno, saying his men and fire truck were immediately deployed to the fire scene.

“About five shops with their items were badly affected by the fire while a lot of buildings around the fire scene were saved.

“There was no loss of life as we were able to fight, control and extinguish the fire,” he said.