10 die after high-voltage power surge in Zaria

No FEWER than 10 people have died following high-voltage power surge around Gwargwaje and Kauran Juli area of Zaria in Kaduna State.

A statement by Mr Abdulazeez Abdullahi, head of Corporate Communications, Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company, confirmed the development.

The statement said the incident occurred at 0142hrs, affecting customers at Police Barracks Distribution Transformer in Gwargwaje, Zaria.

Abdullahi said the sudden power surge happened after a high tension line snapped and fell on a low tension line.

Alhaji Bature Aliyu, the Ward Head of Anguwar Malam Shu’aibu and Police Barracks Area in Gwargwaje, said the power fluctuations affected all houses in the three communities.

According to the traditional ruler, the affected communities included the Police Barracks, the New Layout Anguwar Major Aliyu and New Kauran Juli layout.

He said many residents were hospitalised following the incident.

The Zonal Commandant of the Kaduna State Fire Service, Zaria Area Office, Malam Umar Muhammad, also confirmed that the incident was caused by high voltage supply in the area.

The Emir of Zazzau, Malam Ahmad Bamalli, has commiserated with the families affected by the incident.