The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Akwa Ibom State has confirmed the deaths of two inmates awaiting trial at the Uyo Custodial Centre following an electrical accident caused by a malfunctioning transformer.
Speaking to newsmen in Uyo on Thursday, the state Controller of NCoS, Mr. Frank Okonkwo, revealed that the incident also injured two correctional officers and damaged electrical appliances within the facility.
Okonkwo explained that the accident occurred after an explosion at a nearby transformer two weeks ago, which caused a high-voltage wire to snap and fall on a section of the correctional facility, resulting in a total blackout.
“During the explosion, the two deceased inmates were thrown from where they were seated and were later confirmed dead by doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” he said.
Describing the incident as tragic, Okonkwo stated that the families of the deceased had been notified.
“We are deeply pained by the loss of two of our inmates due to this unfortunate event. It is quite devastating,” he remarked.
He also called on the relevant authorities to urgently address the faulty transformer to prevent similar tragedies in the future.