A devastating explosion, originating from a faulty electricity transformer, claimed the lives of two inmates at a correctional facility in Akwa Ibom State, a senior official confirmed on Thursday.
Frank Okonkwo, the Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) for Akwa Ibom, addressed the media in Uyo, detailing the tragic incident that occurred a fortnight ago. According to Okonkwo, the explosion at a transformer adjacent to the prison caused a high-voltage wire to snap and fall onto a section of the facility.
“The explosion led to a total blackout,” Okonkwo stated. “During that incident, the two deceased victims were thrown up from where they were seated.”
The inmates, who were awaiting trial, were pronounced dead by doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. The NCoS controller confirmed that the families of the deceased have been notified of the loss.
In addition to the inmate fatalities, two prison officials sustained injuries in the blast.
Okonkwo described the event as “unfortunate” and “quite painful,” and used the opportunity to call for preventative action. “We urge the relevant authorities to address the issue around the faulty transformer to forestall any tragic incident in the future,” he urged.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the ageing prison facility, which is situated just metres away from the Government House, the office and official residence of the state governor. While the state government has long-held plans to relocate the prison, it remains unclear why the move has not yet been executed.