Explosion rocks Uyo Custodial Centre, kills inmates, officials

The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) in Akwa Ibom State has confirmed the death of two inmates following a transformer explosion near the Uyo Custodial Centre.

The tragic incident, which occurred about two weeks ago, also claimed the lives of two NCoS officials and destroyed several electrical appliances within the facility.

State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, disclosed the development on Thursday, describing the occurrence as deeply unfortunate.

He said the deceased inmates were awaiting trial for offences including conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery.

According to Okonkwo, the explosion from a nearby electricity transformer caused a high-voltage wire to snap, leading to a power surge that damaged parts of the custodial facility and plunged the area into total blackout.

“When that explosion occurred at the transformer, officials of PHEDC said it was due to excessive voltage. The incident destroyed all electrical appliances, computers, and other equipment in our facility,” Okonkwo explained.

He added that the blast also affected the staff barracks and the official residence of the officer in charge.

“The most painful aspect of it was that it affected two of our inmates who lost their lives. They were thrown off from where they were staying, and though our medical personnel gave them first aid and rushed them to the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, they were later confirmed dead,” he said.

Okonkwo noted that the victims’ families had been contacted, and one of them had completed the process for the retrieval of a corpse. He said the Command would release the bodies only after investigations were concluded.

He recalled that the same transformer had developed faults in previous years, though without casualties, and urged the relevant authorities to urgently address the recurring issue to prevent further tragedies.

Meanwhile, Okonkwo announced that the NCoS was planning an empowerment programme for rehabilitated inmates who had acquired vocational skills while in custody.

“We are looking at about 30 beneficiaries for now because financing is a challenge. Those who have learned skills such as tailoring, carpentry, barbing, and welding will be selected from custodial centres in Uyo, Ikot Abasi, Ikot Ekpene, and Eket,” he stated.

He explained that the programme targets convicts nearing discharge between now and December, as a way of supporting their reintegration into society after serving their sentences.

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