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Ukorebi Esien | November 13, 2025
IKOT EKPENE - Two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre in Akwa Ibom State, have been confirmed dead following a transformer explosion that occurred within the prison facility.
Reports indicate that the incident happened on Wednesday night when electricity was suddenly restored after a power outage. The surge reportedly caused the transformer located within the custodial premises to explode, sending out a heavy spark that injured several inmates and correctional officers.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the explosion caused panic as flames spread close to the inmates' cells, prompting an emergency evacuation to prevent further casualties. Two of the inmates were fatally electrocuted, while others sustained varying degrees of burns and shock.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Richard Metong, said the situation has since been brought under control. He noted that the injured inmates were immediately taken to the prison clinic before being transferred to a nearby hospital for proper medical attention.
Metong further explained that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the explosion, while the service is working closely with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to prevent a recurrence.
He also sympathized with the families of the deceased inmates and assured them that the command is prioritizing the safety of all persons in custody.
Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily disconnected the power supply to the facility pending the completion of a technical assessment of the transformer and other electrical installations within the centre.
IKOT EKPENE - Two inmates of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Ikot Ekpene Custodial Centre in Akwa Ibom State, have been confirmed dead following a transformer explosion that occurred within the prison facility.
Reports indicate that the incident happened on Wednesday night when electricity was suddenly restored after a power outage. The surge reportedly caused the transformer located within the custodial premises to explode, sending out a heavy spark that injured several inmates and correctional officers.
Eyewitnesses disclosed that the explosion caused panic as flames spread close to the inmates' cells, prompting an emergency evacuation to prevent further casualties. Two of the inmates were fatally electrocuted, while others sustained varying degrees of burns and shock.
Confirming the incident, the Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom State Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr Richard Metong, said the situation has since been brought under control. He noted that the injured inmates were immediately taken to the prison clinic before being transferred to a nearby hospital for proper medical attention.
Metong further explained that an investigation has been launched to ascertain the cause of the explosion, while the service is working closely with the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHED) to prevent a recurrence.
He also sympathized with the families of the deceased inmates and assured them that the command is prioritizing the safety of all persons in custody.
Meanwhile, authorities have temporarily disconnected the power supply to the facility pending the completion of a technical assessment of the transformer and other electrical installations within the centre.
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