Four BEDC Engineers Arrested Over Colleague’s Electrocution

Four officials of the Benin Electricity Distribution Commission (BEDC) have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in the tragic electrocution of their colleague, Engr. August Izekor. This incident unfolded in the vicinity of Evbodia community, near Benin City, leaving the local community in shock and mourning.

The Chief Security Officer of BEDC, Col. David Aghedo (retired), verified the arrest of these engineers who were accompanying Engr. August Izekor to Evbodia on the fateful day. The suspects were taken into custody at different locations within Edo State by BEDC security personnel, later transferring them to the police at Iyekogba Police Division in Oredo local government area. They are currently undergoing interrogation and detention.

Aghedo stated, “They were arrested at various spots. We are yet to get their response as per their involvement in the operation where he was electrocuted.”

The tragedy unfolded on October 26, 2023, when Izekor left his office in Etete, Benin City, with the aim of restoring power to Evbodia community, which had been experiencing a power outage. It was during this mission that one of his co-workers allegedly ordered power to be restored, resulting in the fatal electrocution of Engr. Izekor.

Family members of the deceased have raised suspicions, pointing fingers at one of his old co-workers, whom the deceased had purportedly accused of plotting to harm him due to his recent promotion as the head of the department.

On the other hand, the State Police Command spokesman, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, has denied knowledge of the arrest of these suspects, leaving questions about the ongoing investigation.

BEDC authorities expressed their condolences by meeting with the late Izekor’s family at the corporate headquarters in Benin and offering support to his wife, Mrs. Helen Izekor, and their children. Dr. Obi Obinna, the Head of Human Capital who led the BEDC management team, expressed their deep sadness over the loss.

He stated, “It was an accident, but we cannot rule out the fact that there were no errors. The errors were avoidable, but it still occurred. We are very sorry over the loss, and we guarantee the family that we will stand by them according to the laid-down procedures of our organization.”

In an attempt to uncover the circumstances surrounding this tragic event, the deceased’s immediate elder brother, Mr. Friday Izekor, informed the management team that the family had hired a private investigator who had discovered some important facts. He expressed regret that if his late brother had received prompt medical attention, his life might have been saved. The investigation into this devastating incident continues, shedding light on the untimely loss of Engr. August Izekor.