An explosion at a prison facility in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, has resulted in the deaths of two inmates. The incident occurred due to a faulty electricity transformer, according to Frank Okonkwo, the controller of the Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Akwa Ibom. The prison facility is located near the Government House in Uyo, where the state governor’s office and official residence are situated.

The explosion, which happened a fortnight ago, caused a high voltage wire to snap and drop onto a portion of the NCoS facility, resulting in a total blackout. The two deceased victims, who were awaiting trial, were thrown off their seats and later confirmed dead by doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital. Two prison officials were also injured in the incident.

The NCoS official described the incident as unfortunate and expressed concern over the loss of life. The families of the deceased have been notified, and the authorities are urged to address the issue of the faulty transformer to prevent similar incidents in the future. The state government had previously planned to relocate the ageing prison facility to another area, but the relocation has yet to take place.

The incident highlights the need for improved infrastructure and maintenance at correctional facilities. The Nigeria Correctional Service has faced challenges in providing safe and secure environments for inmates, and this incident underscores the importance of addressing these issues. The authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and take necessary steps to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

The prison facility’s proximity to the Government House in Uyo raises concerns about the potential risks and consequences of such incidents. The state government’s plan to relocate the facility has been pending, and it is unclear why the relocation has not been completed. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for prompt action to address infrastructure and safety concerns at correctional facilities.