At least 13 people have been confirmed dead, and seven others hospitalised following an electrocution incident caused by the collapse of a high-tension cable in Tudun Wada Pantami, a densely populated area in Gombe metropolis.
WikkiTimes gathered that the incident occurred after the restoration of a high-voltage electricity supply, which caused the weakened electric cables to snap and fall onto rooftops. The resulting electric surge electrocuted residents, leading to multiple fatalities and injuries.
Eyewitnesses said this is not the first time such an incident has occurred in the area. Residents told police that the electrical tripping had happened at least twice before. Despite several complaints to the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JED), no meaningful action was taken to repair the compromised infrastructure.
A community leader, Hassan Garba Bolari, who spoke to police officers at the scene, said he was jolted awake by a blinding light and a series of intense sparks during the early hours of the day.
“Unfortunately, our neighbours were also caught in the electrocution, and we were all helpless. We were lucky to vacate our house, but some didn’t make it,” he said.
He added that community members had repeatedly warned JED about the sagging and faulty wires. “They admitted that the wires were worn out, but instead of replacing them, they told us to tie sand-filled bottles to prevent tangling,” Bolari recounted.
WikkiTimes gathered that all the victims were electrocuted while attempting to flee. Many came in contact with charged metal gates and doors, leading to instant deaths. Among the deceased were a civil servant and a soldier.
When contacted, the Customer Care and Relationship Management Officer of JED, Alhaji Abdulhamid, said he was unaware of the incident and could not speak on its cause.
“I am not aware of the incident, and I cannot speak on what caused the accident,” he told WikkiTimes.
Asked whether the company would take responsibility or offer compensation to affected families, he insisted he had not received any formal information on the incident.
