‘How transformer explosion killed two inmates at Uyo prison’

By Isaiah Eka

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) Command in Akwa Ibom, has explained how explosion by a faulty transformer that resulted in wire snapping led to the death of two inmates at its Uyo custodial centre about two weeks ago

The impact of the explosion of the faulty transformer also injured two staff of the centre, and damaged some electrical appliances.

The two dead victims were were awaiting trial at the Uyo custodial centre, NCoS Controller in Akwa Ibom, Mr Frank Okonkwo, told journalists on Thursday.

Okonkwo who spoke to journalists in Uyo also confirmed that the incident was caused by a faulty electricity transformer.

Explaining how the tragic event occurred, Okonkwo said “There was an explosion at a nearby transformer a fortnight ago, this led to a high voltage wire snapping and dropping at a portion of NCoS facility, causing total blackout

“During that explosion, the two deceased victims were thrown up where they were seated, and were later confirmed dead by doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” he said.

Okonkwo who described the incident as unfortunate said the families of the deceased inmates have been contacted.

“We are mostly pained that the explosion led to the death of two of our inmates. It is quite painful.

“We urge the relevant authorities to address the issue around the faulty transformer to forestall any tragic incident in the future,” he said.(NAN)