OBIO/AKPOR, Nigeria – Five young men died in Rivers State due to electrocution.
The tragedy struck on Monday, August 21, 2023, as they attempted to erect a billboard with a metal frame in the Obiri-Ikwerre area of Rumuosi Community, within the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area.
Reports gathered indicate that nine individuals were involved in the task.
While erecting the billboard, the metal frame inadvertently came into contact with a high-tension electrical cable, resulting in the electrocution of the workers.
Tragically, five of them succumbed to their injuries on the spot.
The remaining four team members currently receive treatment at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH.
Their conditions are yet to be ascertained, and medical officials are working tirelessly to stabilize them.
It is understood that the victims were not agency employees but private contractors.
They had been engaged to mount the billboard on behalf of a church in the area.
The incident has raised concerns about safety standards and procedures for such projects, especially near electrical installations.
Community members and stakeholders have called for a thorough investigation to determine the cause and ensure such a tragic event doesn’t recur.
The families of the deceased are in mourning, and the entire community has been plunged into sorrow following the heartbreaking incident.
Many have extended their condolences and are praying for the swift recovery of those hospitalized.
Tragic Misfire: Rivers Mourning as Father of 3 Falls to Stray Bullet
A police officer allegedly shot and killed Olafuro Peterside, a father of three, during a family outing.
The police officer, part of the Police Mobile Force, 43 Squadron based in Gombe State, was on special duty in Rivers.
He was accompanied by another officer when the incident occurred.
Rivers State Police Command spokesperson, Superintendent Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident Saturday, August 5, 2023, stating the officers had responded to an alarm raised by residents about a robbery in progress.
“From the information at my disposal, the man was with his family. There was an incident of robbery in the area, so the policemen shot into the air in response to the alarm raised,” Iringe-Koko said. “So I think a stray bullet hit the man.”
The two officers at the scene of the incident have been arrested and are being questioned.
The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for a comprehensive investigation.
Iringe-Koko stressed that the officers were part of the PMF 43-Squadron based in Gombe but were attached to special duty in Rivers State.
While condemning the tragic incident, she called for calm and assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
The tragic death of Peterside marks yet another instance of civilian casualties in police operations, bringing the issue of police handling of firearms and operational tactics into focus.
This incident adds to the urgency for reassessing police rules of engagement to prevent such unfortunate incidents.
As the investigation unfolds, many will be watching closely to see how the Rivers State Police handles the matter, especially regarding accountability and justice for the bereaved family.
