MainPower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has confirmed the death of one of its operations staff in an electrical accident at Eke, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, dismissing reports that the incident was a case of murder or sabotage.
The incident occurred at about 1 p.m. last Thursday while Mr. Samson Okechi, Team Lead, Abor, attached to the company’s 9th Mile District, was carrying out maintenance work on a 50kVA/11kV pole-mounted distribution substation at Eke.
Okechi reportedly sustained an electric shock during the maintenance operation and was immediately evacuated to Our Saviour Hospital, Ngwo, for medical attention. However, he was pronounced dead by the doctor on duty, after which his remains were deposited at a mortuary.
The company’s Head of Communications, Mr. Emeka Ezeh, confirmed the incident in Enugu at the weekend.
Ezeh said the incident had also been formally reported at the Ngwo Police Station for documentation and other necessary statutory actions.
He, however, dismissed claims circulating on social media that Okechi was murdered or that the incident resulted from sabotage.
“I wonder why some people take pleasure in conjuring unfounded narratives and circulating them, thereby creating unnecessary tension and bad blood. This is so unfair,” Ezeh said.
He urged members of the public to disregard the claims, describing them as baseless.
According to Ezeh, Okechi had requested a Station Guarantee (SG) for the Okwe 11kV Feeder, which was granted at about 11:06 a.m. at the 9th Mile Injection Substation. He said the feeder was subsequently opened and tagged.
Ezeh described the death as a major shock to the company and Okechi’s colleagues, while extending condolences to his family.
“This is a very unfortunate development and a big shock to all of us, his colleagues. Our hearts go out to his immediate family as they grieve,” he said.
The communications chief disclosed that MEDL management had commenced a comprehensive investigation into the incident to determine its immediate, underlying and root causes.
“We are committed to ensuring that the investigation is thorough and evidence-based. The findings will be used to identify any gaps, determine appropriate corrective measures, and strengthen safety procedures and operational controls where necessary,” Ezeh said.
MEDL assured its customers and other stakeholders that safety remains a paramount priority across its operations.
The company said it would implement appropriate measures based on the outcome of the investigation to prevent a recurrence and further strengthen its safety procedures and operational controls.
