From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
No fewer than 10 persons were killed and 25 shops and houses razed as an early morning inferno tore through the sleepy neighborhood of Kabong in Gada Buy area of Jos North local government area of Plateau state.
Among the victims were said to be a man, his wife and child. Some of them were identified as Mrs Peter Christy, Mr Silas Oyibo, Mr Isaac Monday Mrs Naomi David and her husband, Mr Adejo David. One of their children was also killed in the incident.
Daily Sun gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 2 am on Saturday, started when one of the high tension wires snapped and fell on a transformer serving the neighbouring.
The shock was said to have spread to nearby shops and residential apartments, torching every available items within reach, especially electronic gadgets like sound systems, fridges, fans and air conditioners.
Eye witness said that the lightening sent some colours up the skys as goods and personal items went up in flames.
An eye witness, who identified himself as John, said that fire was very mysterious as only the goods in shops and personal effects were affected without touching the buildings.
He said, “It started at about 2 am and quickly spread to some isolated shops and houses.
“Indeed this is a mysterious fire. You can see that it’s only the goods and personal belongings that were burnt leaving the buildings and roofs in tact.
While some of the victims died on the spot, our correspondent gathered that others gave up the ghost at the Bingham University Teaching Hospital (Jankwano) where they’re rushed to.
Police Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, who confirmed the incident, said that six persons were killed.
He said that it was suspected to have been caused by a power surge.
Alabo said, “We are carrying out investigation to know the real cause of the incident, but we suspect that it must have been caused by a power surge.
Also confirming the story, Jos Electricity Distribution Plc said,
“It’s anguished by the unfortunate incident at about 0313 hours today, affecting customers on our Kabong primary Distribution Transformer in the Kabong area, Rukuba Road Jos.
In a statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communications,
Dr. Friday Adakole Elijah, the distribution company said, “Preliminary investigation revealed that the accident was a result of a high-tension line snap onto the low-tension lines which resulted in a voltage supply outside limits.
“The source feeder tripped off and inter-tripped the Transmission end source from Makeri Transmission Station.
“We will continue to be monitoring the situation closely and communicate the facts of this regrettable incident.
“Equally, an evaluation of the root causes is underway, and appropriate measures will be put in place to avert future occurrences.
“We express our deepest sympathies to families who have encountered losses as a result of this incident.
“We are grateful to Traditional and Community leaders in the area for all their support in managing the effects of the accident.”