10 die to high-voltage electrocution in Zaria

No fewer than 10 people have been feared dead with properties and businesses destroyed following high-voltage of power supply around Gwargwaje and Kauran Juli area of Zaria in Kaduna State.

A statement issued by Mr Abdulazeez Abdullahi, the Head, Corporate Communications, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, made available to newsmen confirmed the development.

The statement said the company was saddened by the unfortunate incident that occurred at 0142hrs, affecting customers at Police Barracks Distribution Transformer in Gwargwaje, Zaria.

According to the statement, the accident was as a result of “high tension line snap on to the low tension line”, which resulted in voltage supply outside limits.

However, Alhaji Bature Aliyu, the Ward Head of Anguwar Malam Shu’aibu and Police Barracks Area in Gwargwaje, said the power fluctuations virtually affected all houses in the three communities.

According to the traditional ruler, the affected communities included the Police Barracks, the New Layout Anguwar Major Aliyu and New Kauran Juli layout.

He said the electricity was restored late in the night with high voltage which resulted into fire outbreak which affected some business premises and destroyed the house of Alhaji Zubair Abubakar.

He said many residents were hospitalised at some public and private health facilities around Zaria.

The Zonal Commandant of the Kaduna State Fire Service, Zaria Area Office, Malam Umar Muhammad, also confirmed that the incident was caused by high voltage supply in the area.

Similarly, Malam Ahmad Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, commiserated with the families affected in the high-voltage supply in the area.

A statement issued by Alhaji Abdullahi Kwarbai, the Head, Media and Publicity of Zazzau Emirate Council, on Wednesday also said special prayers were offered for the repose of departed souls due to the accident.