Tragedy as NDLEA officer, passerby die by electrocution in Rivers

A tragic incident unfolded in the Okrika community of Okrika Local Government Area, Rivers State, on Monday, as an official of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and a passerby lost their lives due to electrocution.

The unfortunate event reportedly occurred during the early hours of the day following the restoration of electricity in the area.

Eyewitnesses say a sudden power surge triggered an electrical spark, which subsequently led to a fire outbreak.

A community source revealed that the NDLEA personnel was electrocuted while trying to remove the fuse in his apartment in response to the spark.

Unfortunately, a passerby also fell victim to the tragic incident.

“There was no power initially. When it was restored early this morning, it caused a spark in one of the houses,” the source said.

“Out of fear, the NDLEA officer went to remove the fuse in his house and was electrocuted in the process. Another man, his neighbor, was also electrocuted in his room. Sadly, both of them died.”

The incident triggered panic in the community, prompting some residents to flee their homes out of fear.

Spokesperson of the Rivers State Police Command, SP Grace Iringe-Koko, confirmed the incident and the number of casualties.

“I can confirm the incident. Two people were affected, not six as reported in some quarters. Investigation is ongoing,” she stated.

The community remains in shock as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the electrocution.