The Chaiman, Ika Landlords/Landladies Association, Mr Vincent Arimokwu has sympathized with the family of Mr. and Mrs. Richard of Owa-nta Aliosimi Community in Ika Northeast Local Government Area of Delta State, whose 17 years old daughter, Miss Favour Richard, on Wednesday, August 2021 escaped death when she was electrocuted following the unfortunate incident of the High Tension Cable at Efeizomor Street by Sen. Ifeanyi Okowa Road that sparked, got disconnected and fell on her.
Addressing Ika Weekly Newspaper Reporter during an interview, Mr. Vincent Arimokwu said he has gone to the family house of the victim to console them over what happened to their daughter.
Speaking further, he stated that he is not happy with the way and manner, the staff of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), are handling the issues of electricity distribution in Ika land and its environs, stressing that his annoyance over what happened to Favour is that ever since the incident occurred, BEDC has not made any effort to visit the family of the victim whom he said is currently receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit in one of the private hospitals in Asaba.
Reacting to the incident he said, “The very day Favour was electrocuted, I single-handedly notified the BEDC staff in Agbor and also put a phone call across to the State Controller to let him know of what has happened to a young lady due to his staff’s carelessness and unprofessionalism.”
Continuing, he said despite all his efforts, BEDC has not gone to console the family nor give them hope, adding that he learnt all BEDC did was to go to the Police Station to report and give their statement.
“Although what happened to Favour was an accident, but it as a result of total neglect and carelessness on the part of BEDC staff over their equipment,” he said.
Speaking further, Mr. Arimokwu stated that a look at the cables in most of the streets or communities in Ika land shows that all the functioning cables are very low, and they are not separated in ensuring that they do not come in contact with each other so as to prevent sparks.
He said that was exactly what happened to Favour Richard on that fateful day, saying that it is because of BEDC’s inability to separate the High Tension Cables to avoid coming in contact with each other was the reason why it began to attract each other, sparking and falling. He explained that if a high tension cable sparks and falls down, it means that there was no separator in between the wires.
Mr. Arimokwu said he condemned the act because it was an act of carelessness and irresponsibility on the part of the BEDC staff, mentioning that BEDC staff are used to their carefree attitude towards their customers. He then called on BEDC staff to wake up from their slumber, and be professional in their official responsibilities.
He stressed that what pains him most is the fact that BEDC is yet to realise the import of what happened to Favour as they have not gone to apologise to the family.
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He advised BEDC to forget about running to the Police Station as the Police know how to carry out their investigation, but they should accept that what happened to Favour was a result of their carelessness and unprofessionalism.
Speaking further, he said that it was the unconcerned attitude of BEDC staff that resulted in the peaceful protest they held some time ago, urging them to desist from such attitude towards people around them.
He, therefore, advised BEDC staff to as matter of urgency, take responsibility and keep going to reassure the family of the victim that all will be well with their daughter and support her hospital bills for her quick response to treatment.
He informed the electricity Company that if not that he is making efforts to calm the situation down; that it would have been worse than it is today, noting that the people are still watching them know their reactions towards Favour and her family.
He concluded by urging BEDC to call for a meeting where he as the President, Ika Landlords/Landladies Association and other members will be invited to meet with the family of the victim. He also used the opportunity to advise all Ika residents, particularly those who trade under the high tension to be very careful, watchful and prayerful as BEDC is not interested in saving lives and properties.
By Sunday Memeh