The Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has been petitioned, along with the Director-General Consumer Protection Council, Managing Director, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) by the family of Tade Ayodele, who resides at Kabusa along the NnamdiAzikiwe International Airport Road, Abuja over the electrocution of their 7-year-old son, Samuel Ayodele.
On Monday November 9, 2015, around 6 a.m at the Old Pantaker Area of Kabusa, Abuja, an electric cable allegedly belonging to the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) fell down from the pole and had Samuel Ayodele electrocuted.
According to the petition, “electricity supply was on when the cable fell down and seeing the danger to lives of the people living in the area, the AEDC was called on phone and the fallen cable reported to them.
“They were begged to take action by cutting off power supply to the area and coming to remove the fallen cable. They promised they would come but almost throughout the day, from that 6 a.m till late afternoon, they did not come.
The parent narrated that , ” around 2.30 p. m; while I was at my place of work at Gudu District, my 7 year old son, Samuel Ayodele was going to throw refuse away. As he tried to cross a gutter, his foot slipped and he fell down on the electric cable and was electrocuted. Some neigbours used a dry plank to remove the cable from him and he was rushed to the Shadalafiya Primary Health Centre, Sherreti Road, Kabusa.
“He was received at the health centre by Dr. H. Dabagal and Dr. Andrew Bayero who battled unsuccessfully to save his life. My son died around 6.30 p.m. that same day. Please find attached the Medical Report and Death Certificate of my late son as issued by Dr. Dabagal and Dr. Bayero.”
They pleaded with the NERC chairman to come to their rescue by enforcing the right sanction on the AEDC noting that, “the death of my son is an irreparable and irreplaceable loss and I am begging you in the name of God Almighty to seek redress for me and sanction the AEDC accordingly to prevent further negligence and nonchalant approach to duty for which the AEDC has become well-known.
“Sir, please I cry for justice and appeal to you to use your good office to ensure I get redress for this unbearable loss.”