FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited has expressed concern over the death of three men who were reportedly electrocuted on Monday, October 19, 2026, at No. 123, Old Port Harcourt Road, Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, after an iron pole they were attempting to erect for a water tank fell onto an 11kV electricity line.
According to information received by the company, the incident occurred at a compound where the owner of a two-storey building had engaged a contractor to sink a borehole for him. The contractor reportedly arrived at the premises with three workers, who were attempting to erect an iron pole for a water tank when the pole fell onto the overhead electricity line, resulting in the electrocution and instant death of all three men holding the iron.
The victims were identified as Chukwudi Ukwa, Frank Okafor and Somadina Nwabuike. Their bodies were subsequently taken to the General Hospital, Onitsha, by police officers from the Fegge Division. The building owner, identified as Mr Steven, is currently assisting the police with their investigation into the incident.
The tragedy points to the grave dangers associated with carrying out construction, borehole drilling, tank installation and other activities close to overhead electricity lines without observing the required safety clearances. An iron pole or other long metal object that comes into contact with an energised power line can conduct electricity and cause instant fatal electrocution, even when those handling it do not deliberately touch the wire.
FirstPower notes with concern that such incidents are preventable when property owners, contractors, artisans and members of the public observe established electrical safety requirements and keep people, equipment and materials at a safe distance from overhead lines.
The company has continued to take electricity safety awareness campaigns to markets, motor parks, streets, schools and communities across Anambra State, warning against building, trading, erecting structures or carrying out other activities near or within electricity line rights-of-way without the required safety clearance. The campaigns have particularly addressed traders setting up stalls beneath high-tension lines, Keke operators loading passengers under power lines and residents undertaking construction or other activities dangerously close to electricity infrastructure.
FirstPower stresses that electricity line corridors are not safe spaces for unauthorised buildings, trading stalls, canopies, water tanks, scaffolding or the handling of long metal objects. Such activities expose not only the people directly involved but also passers-by, neighbouring residents and electricity workers to serious danger.
The company therefore urges property owners to ensure that contractors engaged for borehole drilling, building construction, water tank installation, roofing and other projects fully take cognizance of electricity lines and observe the required space before work begins. Contractors and artisans must assess their work areas carefully, maintain the prescribed safety clearances and never attempt to lift or erect metal poles near overhead conductors without proper professional guidance and safety precautions.
Members of the public are also advised never to touch fallen electricity wires or attempt to move objects that have come into contact with power lines. Any suspected electrical hazard should be reported immediately to FirstPower or the appropriate emergency authorities, while people should keep a safe distance from the affected area. Work around electricity infrastructure should only be undertaken by qualified and authorised personnel under appropriate safety procedures.
FirstPower extends its condolences to the families and associates of the deceased and urges the public to take electricity safety warnings seriously. The company emphasizes that no construction project, commercial activity or household installation is worth the loss of human lives.
The company will continue its public sensitisation efforts and collaboration with relevant authorities and communities to discourage unsafe activities around electricity installations and promote compliance with safety requirements. It also calls on residents to report dangerous encroachment and activities around power lines before they result in avoidable tragedies.
Signed:
Izunna Okafor
Head of Communications
FirstPower Electricity Distribution Company Limited
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