Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has been slammed with N18 million fine over the negligence of duty that led to electrocution of an eight-year-old Faith Yakubu at Anguwan Dodo, Gwagwalada suburb of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) in a resolution upheld the recommendations of its Panel Report of Accident Investigation which found the distribution company (DISCo) liable of negligence. “AEDC shall pay N18, 000, 000. 00 as compensation to the family of Faith Yakubu and communicate same to the Commission accordingly. And should ensure that the surviving four month old child undergoes medical check up in a recognised hospital and evidence presented to the Commission for further directives,” the resolution of the Commission on the accident read in part.
The accident occurred when a worker of AEDC disconnected the wire feeding the Yakubus’ residence over allegation of accumulated bills and left the wire lying on the ground even as he failed to disconnect supply from the transformer.
The deceased, in her innocence, was running an errand with the surviving four month old baby boy strapped on her back, grabbed the wire in an attempt to cross over the naked wire when she got electrocuted. The baby on her back survived the accident.
The DISCo, has been directed to carry out regular safety enlightenment campaign in accordance with the Nigeria Electricity Safety Manual and Nigeria Electricity Safety Code.
AEDC was also ordered to adequately train its workers on market regulations as well as ensure that its Marketing Units are provided with competent technical staff with the sole responsibility of carrying out the function of connection and disconnection of customers when all conditions for disconnections in line with NERC’s regulations have been met.
By Olisemeka Obeche