The Gombe State Police Command has confirmed that five people lost their lives and thirteen others were injured following a high-voltage power surge in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami community of Gombe Metropolis. The incident occurred in the early hours of Saturday, June 14, causing panic among residents.
According to a statement from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the surge originated from a nearby transformer. Police from the Low-cost Divisional Headquarters were quickly dispatched to the scene after receiving the report.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that five individuals died, while thirteen sustained various injuries,” Abdullahi stated.
The injured victims are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state. The deceased were taken to different morgues: three to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FTH) Gombe, one to the State Specialist Hospital, and one to the Bolari Filin Kwallo Mortuary.
DSP Abdullahi, speaking on behalf of Commissioner of Police Bello Yahaya, extended condolences to the families of the deceased and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the exact cause of the surge and ensure accountability.
“Members of the public are urged to remain calm and cooperate with emergency and investigation teams as efforts continue to prevent future incidents,” the statement added.
The tragedy has raised concerns over power infrastructure safety in residential areas, prompting calls from residents for immediate government action and technical assessment of transformers in the state.
