A devastating electrical surge from a transformer in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami area of Gombe metropolis has claimed the lives of five residents and left 13 others injured, authorities confirmed early Saturday.
The tragic incident, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, sent shockwaves across the local community as unsuspecting residents were jolted by a powerful electric discharge while going about their normal routines.
In an official statement, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Buhari Abdullahi, spokesperson of the Gombe State Police Command, confirmed the fatalities and the number of injured victims. He said officers from the Low-Cost Divisional Police Headquarters were immediately dispatched to the scene following reports of the surge.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the unfortunate incident claimed the lives of five individuals, while thirteen others sustained various degrees of injuries,” DSP Abdullahi stated.
The injured victims are currently receiving medical treatment across various health facilities in the state, while the remains of the deceased have been deposited in separate morgues:
•Three bodies at the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH), Gombe
•One at the State Specialist Hospital
•One at Bolari Filin Kwallo Mortuary
The police, along with emergency responders, swiftly cordoned off the area to prevent further harm and facilitate rescue operations. According to Hobnob News reporters at the scene, the incident left many homes damaged and residents traumatized by the unexpected surge.
On behalf of Commissioner of Police Bello Yahaya, DSP Abdullahi extended condolences to the grieving families and wished the injured a swift and full recovery.
“The Command expresses its heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the injured of full support as they recover,” the statement read.
Authorities have launched a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the power surge. The Gombe State Police Command has vowed to uncover the root cause and ensure accountability, especially if negligence or infrastructure failure is found to be a contributing factor.
“A thorough investigation will be conducted to ascertain the cause of the surge and ensure accountability where necessary,” DSP Abdullahi assured.
In the meantime, police have urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with investigators, promising to provide timely updates as the situation unfolds.
This incident highlights growing concerns about the state of public electrical infrastructure in Gombe and across many urban centers in Nigeria, where faulty transformers and overloaded systems pose risks to public safety.
Community members, mourning the loss, have called on both the Gombe State Government and power distribution authorities to urgently address the aging electrical infrastructure and implement stronger safety measures to prevent future tragedies.
More updates will follow as Hobnob News continues to monitor the investigation.
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