What should have been a moment of relief turned tragic for residents of the Rukuba Road community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau State, after a power surge killed a student and destroyed property worth millions of naira.
The incident occurred last Sunday following the restoration of electricity by the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC), after a prolonged blackout that had disrupted daily life and economic activities in the area.
Instead of bringing comfort, the power supply came with devastating consequences.
At about 11 a.m., a massive power surge swept through homes, igniting electrical fires, damaging appliances, and resulting in widespread destruction.
One resident died instantly, while several others sustained injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
When Arewa PUNCH visited the community on Wednesday, the aftermath was clearly visible. Burnt meters, severed wires, and half-collapsed poles littered the area.
Some electric poles, still standing, appeared on the verge of collapse, sparking fear among residents that they could fall onto pedestrians or passing vehicles.
Many affected families were seen salvaging what was left of their belongings.
One of them, Mrs. Joy Okpara Uba, described the experience as “pathetic.”
“I lost my deep freezer and all my electrical appliances.
The house almost caught fire, but thankfully, neighbors helped put out the flames.
I couldn’t even go to work the next day because the entire room was blackened by smoke,” she said.
Another resident, 38-year-old Madam Ether Eche, recounted her narrow escape. “We were happy when power was restored after the heavy rains on Saturday. But shortly after 11 a.m. on Sunday, sparks flew from appliances.
I rushed to switch off the extension, but the control box was already on fire.
We ran outside for help and found that meters and poles in the area were also ablaze,” she recalled.
Eche and others began disconnecting electrical lines in a frantic effort to prevent the fire from spreading further.
“We just did everything we could to stop it. Thankfully, some items were saved,” she added.
For 32-year-old Shade, the incident was even more traumatic.
Her mother was nearly electrocuted while resting indoors.
“Just after church, someone shouted that electrical sparks were everywhere. People panicked, trying to save their kids and belongings.
Then I heard my mother was still inside. I ran in and found her slumped over the electric stabilizer.
We managed to pull her out and rushed her to Bingham University Teaching Hospital.
I thought she was dead, but by God’s grace, she’s receiving treatment,” she said.
Residents are now calling on JEDC and relevant authorities to investigate the cause of the surge, compensate affected families, and urgently repair or replace damaged infrastructure to prevent further tragedy.