•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — THE Principal Partner of the Utilities Consumers Rights Advocacy Initiative of Nigeria, Shadrack Akinbodunse, has called for justice and compensation for victims of a fatal electrocution incident in Ilorin, Kwara State.
The incident occurred around 5:05 a.m. on April 7, 2026, at Dakun Community, Apata Yakuba, off Kwara Polytechnic Road, where a high-tension wire reportedly snapped and came in contact with low-tension lines, triggering a power surge that lasted for about two hours.
Eyewitnesses said the development resulted in the death of a corps member, Ismail Olatunbosun, while his sister, Yetunde, sustained serious injuries. Several residents were also affected, with properties and electrical appliances destroyed due to the voltage spike.
Speaking with journalists, Akinbodunse described the incident as avoidable, alleging negligence on the part of the electricity distribution company. He argued that the infrastructure was inadequate for the load it carried and criticised the delay in shutting down power supply.
“The scale of damage is significant, and the law requires immediate investigation and compensation in such situations,” he said.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased has demanded a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident. A neighbour, identified as Obey, confirmed that two high-tension wires snapped, leading to the fatal surge.
The family is seeking compensation for the loss, injuries sustained, and damage to property, while calling for accountability from the relevant authorities.
Akinbodunse has also petitioned the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission and other stakeholders, urging swift intervention, while advising residents to remain calm as investigations continue.