Six people were electrocuted at Kabong community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau in the Republic of Nigeria on Saturday after a high-tension line snapped onto the low-tension lines in a voltage supply outside limits.
According to a report by the News Agency of Nigeria, a faulty line emitted sparks and electrocuted the victims in their various homes at about 3 a.m.
The report said the unfortunate incident resulted in some houses and shops being razed in the community, leaving scores of residents in tears.
Commenting on the incident after visiting the scene, the sole administrator of the Jos North Local Government Council, Istifanu John described it as very unfortunate.
He said the accident inflicted other losses on the state and called on the JED to fix all faults that might have triggered the nightmare.
“This is pathetic because it is an avoidable situation.
“Those that lost their lives didn’t go anywhere to look for trouble; they died in their homes.
“As a 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.
Mr John consoled the bereaved families and called on residents to be wary about their use of electric appliances.
Solomon Odidi, who is a spokesperson for the traders association in the community, blamed the incident on erratic power supplied by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company only at night.
He commended the Plateau Fire Service for its timely response, which, he said, minimised the number of casualties and saved further damages.
Mr Odidi appealed to the government to support the bereaved families and those whose properties were destroyed in the accident.