NANS demands justice for Oluchi Anekwe, blames power coy for electrocution

Apex Nigerian students’ body, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), has called on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to ensure justice for the family of , a 300 level Accounting student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG) who was electrocuted to death on Tuesday.

Oluchi, a high performing student on course to earn a first class degree, died when a 330 KVA cable belonging to the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) fell on her, electrocuting her to death.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Public Relations Officer, NANS Southwest Nigeria Zone (Zone D), Jeremiah Olatinwo, the association expressed its condolence and called for justice for the victim's family.

"The association expresses heartfelt condolences to the colleagues, friends and families of the late scholar as the picture of Miss Oluchi, like a flag, is been lowered at half-mast across all the tertiary institutions in Nigeria in honor of the departed gem," the statement read.

Olatinwo urged the Senate leadership to sanction EKEDC which owned the cable which killed Anekwe, alleging that the company failed to comply with safety regulations in its operations.

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"On this note, we call on the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and the Senate Committee on Power to sanction the Eko Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) for its noncompliance to safety and health guidelines in its electricity transmission and distribution which caused the high tension wire to fall off without any sign or warning - the same way it happens in various cities and towns across the federation."

NANS further called on power companies in the country to take immediate action to prevent a repeat of the UNILAG tragedy.

"With immediate effect, NANS directs all the Electricity Distribution companies in the nation to undertake a total overhauling of all high tension cables across the nation.

"This is due to the signs of wear and tear they have been exhibiting so as to forestall a repeat of this avoidable disaster."

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Noting that Nigerian students "won't keep mum in the face of this threat to our fundamental right to life", Olatinwo said NANS will pursue justice for the deceased.

"In a bid to see ensure that justice is done, NANS shall be taking up this case alongside University of Lagos Students Union (ULSU) in court to see to it that Oluchi's family are compensated for the damages caused by EKEDC in "quantum meruit".

It will be recalled that the ULSU President, Abiodun Martins, had in a statement issued yesterday subtly alleged the tragedy could have been averted.

Also, Anekwe's colleagues protested, blaming the management and the power company for causing her death.