A devastating electrical surge in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami area of Gombe Metropolis has claimed the lives of five people, including Abdullahi Kulani, the state’s Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Regional Coordination, and left 13 others injured. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, causing widespread shock and panic among residents.

According to the Gombe State Police Command, the electrocution was caused by a high-voltage surge from a nearby transformer. DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed that officers from the Low-cost Divisional Police Headquarters swiftly responded to the distress call, securing the scene and evacuating the victims to hospitals for urgent medical care.

“Unfortunately, five individuals lost their lives, and thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Abdullahi said. The deceased have been deposited in three different morgues: three bodies at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe, one at the State Specialist Hospital, and one at Bolari Filin Kwallo Mortuary. The injured victims are receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state.

Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, described the incident as “deeply saddening” and extended his condolences to the bereaved families. “We express our heartfelt sympathy to those who have lost loved ones and wish the injured a swift and full recovery,” he said, assuring the public of a thorough investigation into the cause of the power surge. “We are determined to uncover the circumstances that led to this unfortunate event and ensure accountability where necessary,” he added.

Residents of Tudun-Wadan Pantami are still reeling from the shock, with one eyewitness describing the moment of the incident as “terrifying.” “I’ve never seen anything like it. People were shouting and running; some were already unconscious by the time help arrived,” the resident said.