Jos Electricity Distribution Plc (JED) has compensated the families of the victims of the Gada Biu explosion in the Kabong community of Jos North Council area.
On October 14, a transformer explosion killed seven people, sending a massive fireball that engulfed nearby houses and shops. The incident occurred around 2 a.m. while residents were asleep, causing property damage worth millions of naira.
The compensation was delivered on Friday by JED’s Managing Director, Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed, accompanied by the Commissioner for Lands and Town Planning, Barrister Peter Nyam Gai.
Gai, speaking on behalf of the recipients and as a community member, expressed appreciation to the electricity company’s management for peacefully resolving the issue with the community.
“We want to thank you [MD] for your leadership role and your maturity in piloting this project [compensation] by bringing it to a logical conclusion,” Gai said. “There are things we cannot change and those we can change we make sure we do something about them. In all situations, even in war, we will end up at a round table. And, this is what we have achieved now that the victims have been fully compensated.”
Gai noted that following the compensation, those who were in business before the incident have resumed their activities, and some have purchased new homes. To prevent future occurrences, the community leadership has implemented mechanisms to educate residents on handling electricity matters, emphasizing the dangers of illegal connections and building under high-tension lines.
Gai also called on JED’s management to employ some dependents of the victims to help sustain their families, thanking the company for its corporate social responsibility efforts since the incident.
Responding, Managing Director Mohammed expressed his gratitude for the Kabong community’s kind gesture. He acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the October 14 incident, which shocked the entire JED family. He recalled his sleepless night in Kaduna upon hearing the news and emphasized the significant loss of life and property.
“We cannot bring back the lives of those that are gone; the best we can do is to continue to pray for the repose of their souls. We will also continue to pray for the fast recovery of those injured and commit to supporting each other,” Mohammed said.
He revealed that the incident had garnered national attention, prompting the National Assembly to summon JED’s management for interrogation. However, the community’s understanding and JED’s response led to the issue being kept in view.
“We appreciate your understanding in this trying moment and your friendliness. Otherwise, this particular case could have turned the entire state upside down. We take anything that has to do with life very seriously,” Mohammed said.
He urged the victims’ relatives to find solace in God and prayed that such incidents would not occur again.
In recognition of their roles in the quick and peaceful resolution of the impasse, the community leadership awarded Managing Director Engr Abdu Bello Mohammed and Head Security Officer Alhaji Musa Abdullahi.
