A somber atmosphere engulfed Nasarawa community in Kaduna State on a fateful Sunday morning, as its predominantly Christian residents prepared for their usual Sunday church services. However, what should have been a beautiful day of worship turned into one of sorrow when news spread about the tragic electrocution deaths of two siblings.
According to sources close to the family, the day began with Matthew, a 17-year-old young man, returning home with a jerrycan of water. Little did he know that a perilous fate awaited him as he unknowingly grasped a pole used for a satellite dish to steady himself. Tragically, the pole, which was connected to the roof, had become electrically charged due to a loose cable from a distribution line that had fallen on the house.
The electric current coursing through Matthew's body proved fatal, and he was promptly rushed to a nearby hospital. Sadly, despite efforts to save him, he passed away shortly thereafter.
The shocking news of Matthew's demise reached his elder brother David, a 23-year-old who had just returned home from his night duty. Confusion and disbelief filled David's heart as he tried to comprehend what had transpired. Filled with anger, he returned to the scene, determined to understand how a pole that had served the household without incident for years had suddenly become so deadly. In a tragic turn of events, David met the same fate as his younger brother when he attempted to remove the pole.
The untimely loss of these two young men sent shockwaves throughout the Nasarawa community, a settlement nestled along the Nnamdi Azikiwe Expressway and River Kaduna. Unfortunately, this incident was not an isolated occurrence, as similar incidents of electrocution have plagued the area in the past. Many residents attribute these tragedies to the gross negligence of duty by the local power distribution company.
One source, familiar with the situation, expressed his frustration, stating that numerous electrical installations in the community are in dire need of repairs. Regrettably, the workers from the local power distribution company, Kaduna Electric, seem to disregard these concerns entirely.
"The loss of these young men is not only painful and heartbreaking but also sadly predictable," the source lamented. "When those responsible for maintaining electrical facilities neglect their duties, incidents like what transpired on Sunday become inevitable."
"Wandering around Nasarawa, one can easily spot dangerously low-hanging electrical cables, yet nothing is done to address the issue. A mere accidental touch, carrying an object that conducts electricity, or even just being taller than average puts you at risk of electrocution," the source continued.
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PHOTO: Children carrying water with electric distribution cable hanging low. |
"The workers from Kaduna Electric, whose responsibility it is to rectify storm-damaged electrical poles or disconnect live cables, seem more concerned with distributing bills and collecting money rather than fixing the pressing issues. In the case of a faulty transformer, residents could be left in darkness for months. If cables fall or disconnect, it is left to the community to resolve the matter themselves."
"It is high time Kaduna Electric be held accountable for the tragic deaths witnessed last Sunday. They should be made to answer for their negligence, as their inaction has cost lives. If they had taken prompt action to address the fallen cable, these young men would still be alive today."
David and Matthew, victims of a dysfunctional system in the country, will be laid to rest on May 17th, 2023.