NERC fines Abuja Disco N18m over electrocution

In from Ali Smart . . .

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Monday fined the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) N18 million following the electrocution of one eight year old Faith Yakubu at Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada, FCT.

It was gathered, that the accident occurred when a staff of AEDC disconnected the wire feeding the Yakubus’ residence over allegation of accumulated bills and left the wire lying carelessly without disconnecting it from the transformer.

Oblivious of danger lurking around, the late Faith reportedly grabbed the wire in an attempt to cross over the naked wire when she got electrocuted.

The NERC took the decision following the recommendations of its Panel Report of Accident Investigation which found the distribution company liable of negligence.

Read also: UNILAG electrocution: FG steps in

“AEDC shall pay N18, 000, 000. 00 as compensation to the family of Faith Yakubu and communicate same to the Commission accordingly.”

Besides, “AEDC should ensure that the surviving four month old child undergoes medical check up in a recognised hospital and evidence presented to the Commission for further directives.”

The Disco was subsequently directed to carry out regular safety enlightenment campaign in accordance with the Nigeria Electricity Safety Manual and Nigeria Electricity Safety Code. the accident occurred when a staff of AEDC disconnected the wire feeding the Yakubus’ residence over allegation of accumulated bills and left the wire lying on the ground even as he failed to disconnect supply from the transformer.

The deceased, in her innocence, was running an errand with the surviving four month old baby boy strapped on her back, grabbed the wire in an attempt to cross over the naked wire when she got electrocuted. The baby on her back survived the accident.

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