BREAKING: Explosion Kills Inmates Awaiting Trial
Two inmates awaiting trial at the Uyo Custodial Centre in Akwa Ibom State have died after a high-voltage wire snapped and struck part of the facility, following an explosion from a faulty transformer located nearby.
The incident, reportedly caused a massive blackout and damaged several electrical appliances within the centre.
The high-tension wire reportedly dropped directly on a section of the custodial facility, electrocuting four inmates and resulting in the death of two, while two others sustained injuries.
Confirming the incident on Thursday to PUNCH, the Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, described the occurrence as “very unfortunate,” noting that the explosion from the transformer “caused a lot of damage, both to our facility and the families of the deceased.”
He said, “When that explosion occurred at the transformer, officials of PHEDC came and said the explosion was a result of too much voltage. The thing affected us in that it actually destroyed or damaged all electrical appliances, computers, etc., in our facility.
“It affected our barracks as well, and even the official residence of the officer in charge. But the most painful aspect of it was that it affected two of our inmates, who finally lost their lives as they were rushed to the hospital where they were later confirmed dead.”
Okonkwo explained that the victims were awaiting trial for conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery, stressing that they remained innocent until proven guilty by the court.
He revealed that the families of the deceased had been contacted, adding that “one of them had concluded the process for the retrieval of the corpse,” while the command would only release the bodies “upon completion of investigations.”
The controller recalled that the same transformer had developed faults in the past and urged relevant authorities to intervene to prevent future tragedies.
He added that “the legal department was investigating the matter and would present a comprehensive report accordingly.”
