The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) command in Akwa Ibom has reported that two individuals were awaiting trial at the Uyo custodial centre.
NCoS controller in Akwa Ibom, Frank Okonkwo, informed journalists in Uyo on Thursday that the incident was due to a faulty electricity transformer.
Mr Okonkwo stated that the malfunctioning transformer also injured two staff members at the centre and damaged several electrical appliances.
“There was an explosion at a nearby transformer a fortnight ago, which resulted in a high-voltage wire snapping and falling onto a section of the NCoS facility, causing a complete blackout.
“During that explosion, the two deceased individuals were thrown from their seats and were later pronounced dead by doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” he explained.
The NCoS official described the incident as tragic, saying, “The families of the deceased have been informed.”
“We are deeply saddened that the explosion resulted in the deaths of two of our inmates. It is incredibly painful.
“We urge the relevant authorities to address the issues surrounding the faulty transformer to prevent any such tragic incidents in the future,” he added.
(NAN)
