A powerful electric surge from a transformer in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami area of Gombe metropolis has caused the lives of five residents and left 13 others.
In the early hours of Saturday, the Gombe State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi.
According to DSP Abdullahi, the fatal surge came from a nearby electricity transformer, shocking residents as they began their day.
He said officers from the Low-cost Divisional Police Headquarters quickly responded to secure the area and ensure victims were taken to hospitals.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of five individuals, while thirteen others sustained various degrees of injuries,”; he stated.
He explained that the injured victims were receiving treatment in different health facilities across the state.
“The deceased have been deposited at the following morgues: three at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe, one at the State Specialist Hospital and one at Bolari Filin Kwallo Mortuary,”; he added.
On behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya, Mr Abdullahi extended heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives, and wished the injured a swift and full recovery.
He assured residents that the police would do everything possible to unravel the cause of the power surge.
“He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to ascertain the cause of the surge and ensure accountability where necessary,”; the statement read.
Investigation into the cause of the surge has begun as the police call for calm.
