A widow, simply named as Mary, and her son, Prince, were electrocuted by a dangling high-tension cable at Eruemukohwarien in Delta State’s Ughelli North Local Government Area.
When tragedy happened on Friday, the cable was alleged to have fallen on the rooftop of a market stand.
The unexpected breakage allegedly triggered a fire that devoured both Mary and Prince, causing the entire village to mourn.
Residents were concerned that the high-tension wire, which belonged to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company, was still dangling as of Saturday morning.
While expressing concern about the obsolete state of the BEDC cables in the area, aggrieved community members underlined the urgent need for an overhaul of the wires rather than repairs.
The Community Secretary General, Kingsley Emomate, appealed to the distribution company to replace obsolete cables in the community.
He said, “It is truly a pitiable and sympathetic incident. It is very unfortunate that lives have been lost. We experienced a similar tragedy over a year ago, when we lost three community members. This recurring loss of lives due to poor electrical materials provided by BEDC is unacceptable.
“I urge the government to intervene and ensure the replacement of these aged cables that have been in use for over 40 years.”
Also speaking on the incident, a community member, who identified herself as Prevail, blamed the BEDC for failing to replace the cables just as she pleaded with the government to step in to prevent a recurrence of such calamity.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State Command, DSP Bright Edafe, confirmed the incident.