Faulty transformer explodes near prison, kill two inmates

An explosion from a faulty transformer located near the Akwa Ibom State Custodial Centre has killed two inmates awaiting trial.

The incident, which reportedly occurred a fortnight ago, has led to blackout for two weeks in the area and damaged electrical appliances in the centre.

According to reports, the high-voltage wire snapped and dropped directly on part of the custodial facility, causing an electrocution that led to the death of the inmates.

The Akwa Ibom State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, who confirmed the passing of the two awaiting-trial inmates of the Uyo Custodial Centre on Thursday, described the incident as unfortunate.

Okonkwo said the victims were electrocuted where they were sitting and were rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital by the facility’s doctor, where they were pronounced dead.

He disclosed that the victims were awaiting trial for conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

He said the families had been contacted and that one of them had concluded the process for the retrieval of the corpse, adding that the command would only release the corpses upon completion of investigations.

He said, “When that explosion occurred at the transformer, officials of PHEDC said the explosion was a result of high voltage. The thing affected as it damaged all electrical appliances, computers, and so on in our facility.

“Our barracks was affected as well, but the most painful aspect of it was that it affected two of our inmates, who lost their lives.

“They were thrown off from where they were sitting, and immediately our medical personnel administered first aid, and rushed them to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, where they were confirmed dead.

“It was a big loss, especially when they were awaiting trial. One of them was standing trial for conspiracy and kidnapping, the other one for armed robbery.”