By Scholastica JOSEPH, Makurdi
Residents of Wadata, in Makurdi, the state capital, have blamed officials of Jos Electricity Distribution Company, JEDC, for the electrocution of nine persons in the area on Thursday.
Our correspondent gathered that the nine persons were electrocuted as a result of power surge when electricity supply was restored to the area.
It was said that when residents noticed the surge, those who attempted to unplug their appliances were electrocuted in their various homes.
Speaking to journalists, Haruna Abubakar blamed the incident on the poor maintenance of transformers by JEDC.
He said they had reported to JEDC officials a day before that their transformer developed a fault but they ignored their complaints and never bothered to come.
“This thing started yesterday but due lack of seriousness on the part of JEDC officials, they ignored it and today, people have died. If they had come yesterday when the transformer blew, this thing would not have happened”
Another resident who lost his niece, Mr. Donald Awuja, who confirmed that the power surge affected many families, said the deceased girl was preparing for work when the incident took her life.
“The girl you see lying here was already dressed, planning to go to work when the light sparked and electrocuted her.
“This is not the only compound. Reports reaching us say ten persons were affected in various houses. What is the reason; NEPA. If it is not house burning, now it is electrocution.”
Mr Awuja said, “I want the world to hear that I am very upset. She was not even touching the fridge when the thing happened. She was on the bed when the spark came and flung her away.
“We are calling in Nigerians to stand up for this fight this light issue especially in Benue and precisely, Makurdi, Wadata.”
Our correspondent also gathered that a nurse who works at a private hospital and a JSS 2 student were among those who were electrocuted.
As at the time of writing this report, Mr Awuja’s niece, 16-year old Ochanya Ejeh, was being prepared for burial hike several others who sustained injuries were said to have been hospitalized.
Regional Manager, Jos Electricity Distribution Company, JEDC, Felix Adamu, confirmed cases of electrocution, saying his men were yet to visit the area to ascertain the cause and level of destruction.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Catherine Anene, said the police were aware of the incident but do not have any details.
