NEMSA blames Jos DisCos for Gonbe electrical accident

…says efforts ongoing to address electrical faults

The Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA) has blamed Gombe electrical accident on failure of Jos utility company to carry out regular maintenance on the network as, at, and when due.

The accident which occurred on Saturday 14th June, 2025, at the Tudun Wada Pantami area of Gombe State, ren

About five persons were reported dead and 13 others receiving treatment in hospital as a result of the accident which took place on Saturday 14th June, 2025, at the Tudun Wada Pantami area of Gombe State.

According to NEMSA, the incident, has been linked to a snapped high-tension power line that made contact with low-tension wires, leading to an uncontrolled surge of electricity sparks across the local distribution network.

“Eyewitness accounts and technical evaluations revealed that the incident was triggered by a structural failure of a high-tension (11kV) wooden cross-arm support, which led to the detachment of the red phase high-tension conductor. This conductor made direct contact with a  low-voltage (400V) line below, causing a dangerous voltage surge into residential houses. The impact resulted in widespread electrical sparks, severe electric shocks, and the electrocution of five individuals.

“Several residents sustained varying degrees of injuries while trying to disconnect their power supplies to their homes and electrical appliances including televisions, refrigerators, and meters which were extensively damaged.

“From the report of the preliminary investigation, it can be said that this is an unfortunate but preventable incident had the Jos DISCO headed previous warnings from NEMSA to rectify and correct observed faults on the network.  The failure of Jos utility company to carry out regular maintenance on the network as, at, and when due, led to this avoidable accident,” the Agency stated in a statement issued to journalists on Sunday.

It explained that investigation uncovered several systemic and infrastructure-related issues including: the use of aged, untreated/deteriorated wooden cross arms in the distribution network, absence of standard protective devices (such as circuit breakers and RCDs) in consumer installations.

Other issues revealed by the investigation are aged low-tension conductors, poorly maintained substations, and inadequate clearances between high-tension lines and residential structures and vegetation encroachment along overhead lines.

It also noted failure of the protection and tripping unit at the Riyal Injection Substation, attributed to the use of non-functional battery bank which allowed the fault to persist until human intervention occurred.

“The utility company was consequently advised to effect immediate repairs on the network to avoid ugly incidents such as the one that just happened. Unfortunately, that advice was ignored by Jos DISCO.

“Electricity is associated with hazards. These hazards are real. They can even affect the personnel working in the electricity sector, so we need to use electricity safely and wisely. NEMSA hereby renews its call on utility companies to ensure regular maintenance of their networks. We equally advise Nigerians to avoid staying under power lines, erecting buildings under power lines or doing any form of business under power lines because it is very risky.

“NEMSA expresses its deepest condolences to the government and people of Gombe state especially the families of the deceased on this pathetic and sad moment and assures the public of its commitment to ensuring safety in the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry.

“Meanwhile, the Agency will be working closely with the Jos Electricity Distribution Company (JEDC) and other relevant stakeholders to amongst others: ensure the replacement of dilapidated infrastructure in the affected area, enforce the installation of proper protective devices in residential and public buildings, conduct thorough safety inspections across the distribution network, it stated.