How Obsolete BEDC High Tension Cable Killed Widow, Son In Delta

Ola ‘Kiya, Reporting

A widow and her son, simply identified as Mary and Prince, have been electrocuted by an 11KVA high tension cable in Delta State, Nigeria.

The high tension cables belong to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) at Eruemukohwarien community, in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.

Stonix News reports that in Nigeria, citizens are often left with no option in helping electricity distribution companies to maintain and replace their facilities while they (companies) in turn lay claims to ownership.

On this occasion, the very weak and obsolete high tension cables snapped on the roof of the market stall under them, electrocuting Prince and his mother Mary, who had made an attempt to rescue her son. Some balls of fire belching from the high tension cables amid power supply roasted the son and his mother.The incident, which occurred Friday night, has since thrown the community into mourning as our reporter gathered that less than a year ago, no fewer than three persons were also tragically lost to similar electrocution in the community.

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The cable ignited fire

As of Saturday morning, the high tension cable which cut off during power supply and killed mother and son, was still seen dangling and lying on the ground although with no power.

Eyewitnesses said the BEDC cables in the community have become weak and obsolete and there’s the need to change them swiftly rather than patching and joining them when there’s a cut.

Stonix News reports that the usual pastime is that customers would wait endlessly to have new cables, poles and other items if they do not mobilise themselves to purchase them – a bill that won’t be deducted from their monthly tariff.

Chief Kingsley Emomate, who’s the community’s secretary general, bemoaned the recurring tragedy, calling on BEDC to come replace the obsolete cables in the community.

“What happened is quite a pathetic and sympathetic one. It’s very unfortunate that this happened and lives have been lost.

“A similar thing happened over a year ago where we lost three persons in the community and this is not good for us. That we will be losing souls annually because of poor electrical materials of BEDC.

“I think the government should Wade in and ensure that all these aged cables that are being over 40 years ago be replaced,” he noted.

Another witness, who identified herself as Prevail, a lady, blamed the tragedy on BEDC for refusing to change the cables with new ones.

“The government should come and help us to replace the wire. They’ve been cutting off always, instead of BEDC to come and be tying it and managing the old cables so that people will stop dying everyday,” she pleaded.

Contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Delta State Police Command, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident. He spoke no further.