Tragedy in Ondo: Two 7-Year-Old Boys Electrocuted by Fallen Power Line in Idanre

IDANRE, Nigeria — Grief and outrage have swept through the community of Idanre in Ondo State after two seven-year-old boys lost their lives on Monday, September 28, 2026 when they came into contact with a fallen live electrical wire along Apefon Road.

The tragic incident occurred outside a local shop where a high-voltage power line had snapped and fallen to the ground. Unaware of the lethal hazard, the two young children stepped near or touched the exposed cable, resulting in immediate electrocution.

Eyewitnesses reported that the live wire had been hanging dangerously low before finally snapping. Bystanders rushed to assist the children, but both boys were pronounced dead before they could receive medical intervention.

"The entire neighborhood is in deep mourning," said a local resident. "These were innocent children playing near a neighborhood shop. To lose them so suddenly to an exposed power cable is a painful tragedy that should never have happened."

Residents expressed anger toward the local electricity distribution company, accusing officials of negligence and failing to maintain or repair sagging and dilapidated power infrastructure along Apefon Road despite prior warnings.

Police authorities in Ondo State confirmed the incident and stated that an investigation into the cause of the power line collapse is underway. Officers visited the scene to secure the area and ensure that power supply to the line was disconnected to prevent further casualties.

Community leaders and advocacy groups have called on state authorities and power supply utilities to conduct immediate safety audits of overhead power lines across the region to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Beyond immediate repairs, local human rights organizations are demanding financial compensation for the bereaved families to help cover funeral expenses and alleviate their sudden burden. They emphasize that holding utility companies accountable through regulatory sanctions is the only way to enforce strict maintenance standards and prevent future loss of life.