An explosion from a faulty transformer killed two persons awaiting trial at the Uyo custodial centre in Akwa Ibom on Thursday.
The Controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in the state, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, told journalists on Thursday in Uyo that the incident was caused by a faulty electricity transformer in the facility.
He said the impact of the faulty transformer also injured two staff members of the centre and damaged some electrical appliances.
“There was an explosion at a nearby transformer a fortnight ago, which led to a high voltage wire snapping and dropping at a portion of the NCoS facility, causing a 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 stated.
The NCoS official described the incident as unfortunate, saying, the families of the deceased 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,” the controller added.
