The Management of Kaduna Electricity Distribution Company has denied media reports that 11 persons lost their lives in last Wednesday’s power surge in the Gwargwaje area of Zaria, in Kaduna State. The company, which distributes electricity to Kaduna, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states insist six people were killed in the incident.

Media reports say that a high-tension line had snapped on a low-tension line which resulted in an overload voltage supply in the Gwargwaje area of Zaria which sparked an inferno that engulfed some houses, claiming lives and leaving others injured.

The Ward Head of Unguwan Malam Shuaibu, one of the affected areas in Gwargwaje, Malam Bature Aliyu had told our correspondent that the casualty figure had risen from the initial 11, earlier reported to between 15 and 20, a figure the management of Kaduna electric disputes.

Speaking with our correspondent on Tuesday, the Head of Corporate Communication of Kaduna Electric, Abdulazeez Abdullahi said the company’s investigations so far revealed that six persons lost their lives, adding that the company’s officials had visited Gwargwaje community and met with families of the affected persons on three occasions to mourn with them and gather relevant information on the incident.

Abdallah had also issued a statement where he stated that the deceased persons lived on Kagoro Close, Gwargwaje, except ASP Lumba who resided in the Police Barracks. Abdallah said the company had not received any information of more fatalities since its last visit to the community on Saturday.

While expressing its condolences to the families of the deceased, the management of Kaduna electric stated that it had taken measures to avert a reoccurrence and had also gathered detailed information on all those who sustained injuries or lost properties. It said the company had been liaising with relevant security authorities and the traditional institution in Zaria to discuss next steps. (Daily Trust: Text, excluding headline)

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