Thursday November 13, 2025
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Akanimo SAMPSON
A powerful explosion has rocked the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, killing two inmates awaiting trial and leaving several others injured. The Nigeria Correctional Service (NCoS) has confirmed the incident, which occurred after a reported electrical fault at the facility.
The State Controller of Corrections, Frank Okonkwo, described the tragedy as one of the worst incidents to hit the centre in recent years. He said the explosion killed two awaiting trial inmates, injured two staff members, and destroyed nearly all electrical appliances within the facility.
The Uyo Custodial Centre, a federal government facility located along Wellington Bassey Way, sits at the entrance of the Akwa Ibom Government House. The prison has long been marked for relocation due to security concerns, overcrowding, and severe erosion threatening the area.
Okonkwo confirmed that the explosion originated from a faulty electricity transformer that caused a high-voltage surge, leading to the snapping of power lines that struck part of the custodial facility. The impact caused a total blackout in the area and left widespread damage in its wake.
“It was very unfortunate because the explosion caused serious damage to our facilities and affected the families of the deceased,” Okonkwo said. “Officials of the Port Harcourt Electricity Distribution Company confirmed that it was a result of excessive voltage.”
He added that the blast destroyed computers, electrical fittings, and staff quarters, including the residence of the officer in charge.
The victims, who were awaiting trial for conspiracy, kidnapping, and armed robbery, were thrown from their seats by the force of the explosion. Despite first aid and urgent medical attention at the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital, both were pronounced dead on arrival.
Okonkwo stressed that, though they were facing trial, the deceased remained legally presumed innocent. Their families have been contacted, and one has begun the process of retrieving the body. The command, however, will only release the corpses after investigations are concluded.
He recalled that the same transformer had developed a fault in previous years, though no lives were lost at the time. He called on authorities to urgently replace or repair the transformer to prevent future tragedies.
Meanwhile, the Uyo Custodial Centre has recently been the focus of discussions on prison reform, including efforts to enhance rehabilitation under Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda. Plans are underway to relocate the prison and improve living conditions for inmates.
In a related development, Okonkwo announced that the NCoS would soon launch a rehabilitation and empowerment programme for 30 inmates who have completed their reform training. The initiative will provide start-up packs for those trained in tailoring, carpentry, welding, and barbing across custodial centres in Uyo, Ikot Ekpene, Ikot Abasi, and Eket.
“This programme will help them reintegrate into society and prevent them from reoffending,” Okonkwo said. “We are focusing on those nearing discharge between now and December, who have demonstrated commitment to change.”
