Prison Inmates Killed, Officials Injured As Overloaded Transformer Explodes In Uyo

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An overloaded transformer along Metro Road in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, has exploded, killing two awaiting-trial inmates at the Uyo Medium Custodial Centre (MCC) and critically injuring two correctional officers.

According to Leadership, the transformer—which supplies electricity to a section of the Deputy Governor’s Lodge and the prison facility—blew up with massive force, triggering destructive aftershocks and causing damage reportedly running into billions of naira. A second transformer located along Effiong Udo Akpan Street by Wellington Bassey Way was also affected.

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) confirmed the deaths, stating that the deceased inmates were awaiting trial on charges of conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery before the tragic incident occurred.

Speaking during a fact-finding visit by the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), the State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, described the explosion as the worst disaster to hit the Centre in recent years.

Okonkwo said the impact of the blast violently threw the two inmates into the air as they sat within the facility. They were rushed to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital (UUTH) after first aid was administered, but doctors later pronounced them dead.

“They died after the doctor administered first aid and later confirmed them dead,” he said.

He stressed that although the inmates were facing serious charges, they were still legally presumed innocent until a court determined otherwise.

The Controller added that the families had been notified, with one already completing the necessary processes to retrieve the body for burial. However, the NCoS will only release the corpses after investigations are concluded.

Okonkwo also disclosed that the explosion caused extensive destruction within the facility:

• All electrical appliances and computers were damaged

• Residential quarters in the barracks were affected

• The official residence of the Officer-in-Charge suffered significant destruction

Officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company (PHEDC) reportedly traced the cause of the explosion to excessive voltage on the transformer.

“It was a big loss to us and to the families of the deceased. The damage was massive, and the most painful aspect was losing two inmates who were only awaiting trial,” Okonkwo lamented.

The NCoS says a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and prevent similar incidents in the future.