Power Surge Electrocutes Six In Plateau Community

Six persons have been reported electrocuted by a power surge while several residents sustained injuries from a fire that broke out
in Kabong Central Community, a suburb within Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State.

Osun Defender learnt that several shops were also destroyed by the fire in the incident which happened at about 2 am on Saturday when people were asleep.

A high-tension wire was said to have fallen on another, thereby leading to the surge and electric shocks at homes.

The youth leader of the area, Sylvanus Boniface, told newsmen that those electrocuted, including two siblings, had been taken to the mortuary, while the injured persons were receiving treatment at various hospitals.

Boniface said he narrowly survived the electric shock after he woke up to put off his bulb.

He said, “The shops were burnt as a result of those who left their appliances on, particularly drinks sellers who put their drinks in refrigerators and leave it on so that the drinks will remain cold.”

Mr Istifanu John, Sole Administrator of the Jos North Local Government Council, who visited the scene, described it as very unfortunate.

“This is pathetic because it is an avoidable situation. Those who lost their lives didn’t go anywhere to look for trouble; they died in their homes.

“As government, we are pained by this development. We call on JED to ensure that all faulty power sources are fixed to avoid this monumental loss in the future,’’ he said.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Plateau State Police Command, Alabo Alfred, said the incident was unfortunate, adding the Commissioner of Police had directed the DPO of the area to get in touch with the community.

He advised people of the state to always adopt personal safety at all times by putting off their electrical appliances when going to bed or not in use.