Ujunwa Okechukwuma tragically lost her life on Wednesday evening due to electrocution at an electric transformer inside a market in the Mowe area of Ogun State.
Her two children, Louis and Onyinyechi, are currently hospitalized and fighting for their lives following the incident.
Contrary to initial reports of multiple fatalities, the state police command confirmed that only Okechukwuma died, while five others, including her children, sustained injuries.
The victims of the electric incident also include Shuaib Saheed, Zainab Babatunde, and Okiki Azeez, who suffered varying degrees of injury due to the spark at the transformer.
According to witnesses, officials from the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) had warned shop owners about fallen electric cables near some shops’ rooftops after a recent rainstorm.
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However, power was restored despite concerns about wet cables and fallen poles, leading to the tragic incident.
Eyewitnesses recounted that IBEDC officials had previously advised shop owners against extending their shops close to high-tension electric poles due to safety risks.
Despite these warnings, the incident occurred after fallen cables were fixed following a rainstorm.
Confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, stated that only one person was electrocuted, while five others sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital for treatment.
She also mentioned that community stakeholders are working to address illegal power connections in the market.
This incident is reminiscent of a similar one that occurred on April 5 in the Papalanto community of Ogun State, where an electric transformer explosion resulted in the death of a nine-year-old boy and injuries to his sister.
The IBEDC had reportedly restored power supply shortly before the explosion, highlighting the need for comprehensive safety measures in managing electricity infrastructure.
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