A National Drug Law Enforcement Agency officer and a civilian were killed by electrocution in Okrika, Rivers State, on Monday morning following a sudden power restoration that caused an electrical spark.
Community sources revealed the NDLEA official was attempting to remove a fuse in his apartment when the accident occurred. A neighbor who tried to help also got electrocuted.
“There was no power initially. When it was restored early this morning, it caused a spark in one of the houses,” a local resident said. “Out of fear, the NDLEA officer went to remove the fuse in his house and was electrocuted in the process. Another man, his neighbor, was also electrocuted in his room. Sadly, both of them died.”
The incident triggered panic in the community, with many residents temporarily fleeing their homes. Rivers State Police Command spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the deaths while correcting inflated casualty figures circulating online.
“I can confirm the incident. Two people were affected, not six as reported in some quarters. Investigation is ongoing,” she stated.
Authorities have launched an investigation into the fatal electrical malfunction as the community grapples with the shock of the sudden tragedy. The incident has renewed concerns about electrical safety standards in the area.
