An unconfirmed number of people have been electrocuted to death at the Amaechi-School Road junction in Rumuomasi, along the East-West Road, of Obio-Akpor local government area in Rivers State.
While some reports claim over six persons died from the electrocution, others say there were five casualties.
Some victims were also reported to have sustained various degrees of injuries from the electrocution incident.
An eyewitness told DAILY POST that the victims were trying to mount a church billboard at the junction when the iron from the board touched the high-tension pole.
According to the eyewitness, while some died instantly, others were taken to a hospital, where they were confirmed dead by a doctor.
The Rivers State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured that the investigation is ongoing.
In the meantime, the Rivers State Signage and Advertising Agency clarified that the agency had no prior knowledge of the mounting of the billboard.
RISAA reiterated its commitment to maintaining high standards in the allocation of external signage and billboards within the state.
The Head of Mobile Advertising at RISAA, Okechukwu Edenkwo, in an interview with DAILY APOST, said the agency is determined not to compromise on standards and professionalism.
“As an agency, we frown at it when people put up signage and structures without recourse to the agency.
“We are totally unaware of what led to what happened yesterday.
“In fact, they did not even apply to the agency, let alone get approval.”
Edenkwo also extended the agency’s sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who died from the electrocution of Monday.
