By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
An early morning electrical surge in the Tudun-Wadan Pantami area of Gombe metropolis claimed the lives of five people and injured 13 others on Saturday, according to the Gombe State Police Command.
Among the deceased was the Permanent Secretary for Special Duties and Regional Coordination, Abdullahi Kulani.
The tragic incident, which occurred just after dawn, was reportedly triggered by a high-voltage surge from a nearby transformer, catching residents unaware.
Confirming the development, the spokesperson for the Gombe State Police Command, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said officers from the Low-Cost Divisional Police Headquarters responded swiftly to a distress call.
“Our officers promptly secured the area and evacuated victims to nearby hospitals for urgent medical attention.
“Unfortunately, five persons lost their lives, while thirteen others sustained varying degrees of injuries,” Abdullahi said.
The deceased have been deposited in three different morgues: three bodies at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Gombe; one at the State Specialist Hospital; and another at Bolari Filin Kwallo Mortuary.
The injured are currently receiving treatment at various health facilities across the state.
Gombe State Commissioner of Police, CP Bello Yahaya, described the incident as “deeply saddening” and extended condolences to the bereaved families.
“We express our heartfelt sympathy to those who have lost loved ones and wish the injured a speedy recovery,” he said, assuring the public of a thorough investigation into the cause of the power surge.
“We are determined to uncover the exact circumstances and ensure accountability where necessary,” he added.
Residents of Tudun-Wadan Pantami remain in shock. One eyewitness, who requested anonymity, described the incident as “terrifying,” saying many victims were electrocuted inside their homes.
“I’ve never seen anything like it. People were shouting and running. Some were already unconscious by the time help arrived,” the resident recounted.
