December 9 2018 will always go as a red letter day in the memories of the family of a woman who was electrocuted while the light was on by a high tension cable of Ikeja Electric around Solebo Estate, Aga Ikordu while seeing off her friend that paid her a visit at her resident.
This ill-fated incident as revealed by Rasheed Fatuga the founder of Ikorodu Ambassador Group on his Facebook page came on the heels of the victim’s 40th birthday. Report has it that the whole scenario played out around 7pm in Ikorodu and she was transferred to Gbagada General Hospital around 10pm the same day and subsequently reported dead on Tuesday January 1st 2018 after much effort aimed at saving her life proved abortive.
He narrates that immediately the electrocution was on-going, eyewitnesses called the Electricity Company officials, and the light was switched off but before the people could gather to rescue her to the hospital, the light came on again, and they all ran back. Then the light went off again and the people immediately rushed her to lkorodu General Hospital where she was given First Aid treatment and then she was transferred immediately to Gbagada General Hospital where burns are being treated.
Rasheed who is also a human right activist affirmed that ever since the accident, over 1 Million Naira had been expended on the victim’s drugs, tests, injections, surgery among other medical fees.
In narrating the severity of the case, the victim was reported to have been placed on special diets to foster her recovery, only then did the management of the Electricity company showed up to pay the paltry sum of Ten Thousand Naira (₦10,000) to the widow who lost her husband two years ago as compensation.
“Our source, who is a close relative, mentioned it that Doctors in the hospital recommended that she eats a crate of egg per day, that’s to explain the level of her condition.”
“She also said that representatives of the Electricity Company visited the victim while she’s on the sick bed, and all they could give her is Ten Thousand Naira (10,000).” Rasheed narrated.
The human right activist and ambassador while urging the family of the deceased to sue the electricity company asking for proper compensation, further called upon all Nigerians to see that they make every service provider accountable.
“Until we Nigerians start rising up to making everyone accountable to their duties and responsibilities, we would just keep on passing the buck. This is not a new occurrence, it happens every day in the country. I believe the family should sue the electricity company and also ask for compensation, because they have neglected their duty, they failed to comply to health and safety laws. The Electricity Company must pay for this!” He lamented.
In response to the horrific scenario, the Lawmaker representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency at the Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Babajimi Benson who also visited the victim while she was still at the Gbagada General Hospital reassured that he has been in touch with the management of Ikeja Disco and investigation is still on-going as reports will be made available shortly.