The pain is still raw in Karatudu community, Gonin Gora, Kaduna State, where residents are demanding justice for 26-year-old NYSC corps member, Justice Chimamkpam Gideon, who was electrocuted in what they call “a preventable death.”
Gideon’s death marks the third electrocution in less than two months, all linked to faulty and ungrounded transformers under the supervision of the Kaduna Electric Distribution Company (KAEDCO). The community is now calling for a full-scale government investigation, compensation for the families affected, and urgent repair of the deadly infrastructure.
A Promising Life Cut Short
Justice Gideon, who was serving in Kaduna, was described as humble, dedicated, and passionate about community work. “He always wanted to make a difference,” said one of his colleagues, struggling to hold back tears. “He didn’t deserve to die because someone refused to do their job.”
Residents say his death has become a rallying point for long-overdue accountability. “Gideon’s life must not be in vain,” said community youth leader, **Mordecai Ibrahim**. “We have buried three people in two months, and KAEDCO has not shown any remorse. Enough is enough.”
Community Outrage Boils Over
According to residents, several of the transformers in Karatudu are operating without “earths” — a basic safety component that prevents electrocution. They allege that KAEDCO has ignored repeated calls to replace them, despite written complaints and official reports.
“Their negligence is killing people,” said Adegun Abayomi, a sub-community chairman. “We informed them last year when the grounding systems were stolen. They promised action, but nothing was done. Now three people are gone.”
Community chairman Simeon Oloyede confirmed that KAEDCO had assisted with burial arrangements after the first two incidents but has since gone completely silent. “They have not reached out, not even a condolence visit. It is heartless,” he said.
Calls for Government Intervention
The community is now appealing directly to the Kaduna State Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), and the Federal Ministry of Power to launch an independent investigation and hold KAEDCO accountable.
“We are tired of empty promises,” said one resident. “We need government inspectors to come here, check every transformer, and compel KAEDCO to make the area safe. Lives are at stake.”
As candles burned for the late corps member, mourners prayed not just for his soul, but for change. “If the system had worked, Justice would still be alive,” said a local pastor during the vigil. “May his death awaken conscience and reform.”
Repeated efforts by our reporter to reach KAEDCO officials for comment were unsuccessful at press time.
