The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) command in Akwa Ibom says two persons were awaiting trial at the Uyo custodial centre.

NCoS controller in Akwa Ibom, Frank Okonkwo, told journalists in Uyo on Thursday that the incident was caused by a faulty electricity transformer.

Mr Okonkwo said the faulty transformer also injured two staff members of the centre and damaged some electrical appliances.

“There was an explosion at a nearby transformer a fortnight ago, which led to a high-voltage wire snapping and dropping at a portion of the NCoS facility, causing a total blackout.

“During that explosion, the two deceased victims were thrown up where they were seated and were later confirmed dead by doctors at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital,” he said.

The NCoS official described the incident as unfortunate, saying, “The families of the deceased have been contacted.”

“We are mostly pained that the explosion led to the death of two of our inmates. It is quite painful.

“We urge the relevant authorities to address the issue around the faulty transformer to forestall any tragic incident in the future,” he said.

(NAN)