Two people were reportedly electrocuted while three others sustained injuries in the Wadata area of Makurdi town, Benue State, following a sudden surge in electricity supply to the area.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday, February 24, at Rice Mill area of Wadata. 

An eyewitness in the area, Madam Nancy said the two dead victims, a nurse and a Junior Secondary School student got electrocuted while trying to disconnect their appliances from power sources when they noticed the surge.

“It was this morning that we noticed high voltage and I heard that many people rushed to disconnect their appliances from the socket but in the process, they were electrocuted,” she told Nigerian Tribune. 

“A neighbour here who is a nurse was said to be using electric cooker at the time there was a power surge and as she quickly went to disconnect it from the power source in the house she got electrocuted, so also, a young boy who is a Junior Secondary School student.

Confirming the incident, the Regional Manager of Jos Electricity Distribution Company, Felix Adamu said that the community had visited the office to report the incident.

“Some people from the community have come here to report the case but we have not gone there to find out the root cause.

“All that they told us is what you have but because the people are restive and there is serious tension in the community they advised that we should not go there today.

“I know there was electrocution but I can not comment on the cause until I go there to inspect it tomorrow (today) and I have asked the community to take inventory and we are still waiting for them,” Adamu said.

Spokesperson of the State Police Command, Catherine Anene also confirmed the incident but said she was yet to get details.

Meanwhile, the development was said to have sparked a protest by some residents, who blamed the Jos Electricity Distribution Plc for the incident.

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