In the Eruemukohwarien community of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Delta State, there was a tragic incident that caused immense sorrow. A widow named Mary and her son, Prince, were electrocuted by an 11KVA high-tension cable owned by the Benin Electricity Distribution Company. The cable had fallen onto the rooftop of a market stall, leading to a fire that engulfed Mary and Prince, devastating the entire community.
The residents expressed their distress over the outdated condition of the BEDC cables in the area and emphasized the urgent need for a complete overhaul rather than mere repairs. Witnesses recounted that Mary and her sons were inside the store when the incident occurred. One of her sons managed to escape, but Mary and her elder son could not.
This heartbreaking incident is not an isolated one for the community. Less than a year ago, three individuals lost their lives in similar electrocutions. This repetition of tragic events has prompted the community to demand immediate action from BEDC to replace the outdated cables, rather than resorting to temporary fixes.
Regrettably, at the time of reporting, the high-tension cable responsible for the deaths of the mother and son was still left dangling and lying on the ground. The community secretary, Chief Kingsley Enomate, expressed his deep disappointment in the negligence of BEDC, noting that they had made efforts to bring attention to the situation after the previous deaths but no action had been taken. The community has been severely affected by the loss of lives and the ongoing presence of outdated equipment, which poses a continuous risk to their safety.
The tragic incident involving the mother and child is a profoundly sympathetic and unfortunate occurrence. The community's repeated loss of lives due to poor equipment and materials of BEDC is distressing.
Despite assurances from BEDC to replace the lines, the cables and separators, along with the entire equipment, remain old and outdated. The community mourns the loss of yet another mother and child in a similar manner, highlighting the urgent need for immediate action to prevent such tragedies in the future. It is the high time the federal government look into this matter as we can't possibly continue to live in fear.
While the loss of a loved one is never easy, it's important to cherish the memories you have and find ways to honor their life. This may involve creating rituals or engaging in activities that celebrate their memory and the impact they had on your life.
Remember that you're not alone in your grief, and there are people who care and want to support you. Take things one day at a time, be kind to yourself, and allow yourself to heal at your own pace.