No fewer than five people were electrocuted to death in the early hours of Saturday, while thirteen others were critically injured.
This followed a high voltage of electricity supply which led to damage to electrical appliances and shocking of metal substances around houses.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami area of Gombe Metropolis, as said by the Gombe Police Command PRO, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, stressing that the development resulted from a high-voltage surge from a nearby electricity transformer.
He said, “Upon receiving the report, Officers from the Low-cost Divisional Police Headquarters promptly visited the scene to secure the area and evacuate the victims to Hospital for medical attention.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of five individuals, while thirteen others sustained various degrees of injuries.”
The PPRO further disclosed that “the injured victims are currently receiving medical attention at different health facilities within the state capital while bodies of 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.
“The Commissioner of Police, Bello Yahaya has expressed deep sympathy to the families of the deceased and wished the injured victims a swift and full recovery.
“He assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted to ascertain the immediate and remote causes of the surge and ensure accountability where necessary.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and cooperate with emergency and investigation teams as efforts continue to prevent future occurrences.”
