Godwin Bendick, 53, has lived without his hands for 23 years after a tragic electrocution while working on an official electrical repair for the defunct NEPA (now PHED) in Calabar, Cross River State. The accident on September 19, 2002, changed the course of his life permanently.
Bendick, an indigene of Eket in Akwa Ibom State, was climbing an electric pole when power was restored unannounced, electrocuting him and resulting in the amputation of both hands. Though fitted with artificial hands, they became unusable over time, leaving him entirely dependent on others for daily activities.
“It was official work I was doing. I was on top of the pole when supply came on suddenly. My two hands were electrocuted. I was sent for treatment and had my hands amputated. The artificial hands later broke down, and I was laid off by NEPA, even though there was an agreement to retain workers injured on duty,” Bendick recounted.
The aftermath of the accident has been devastating. His wife abandoned him, leaving his then young son as his sole caregiver, assisting with feeding, bathing, and dressing. Bendick now survives in precarious conditions, moving between friends’ homes and squatting wherever he can, relying on a limited pension for medicine and sustenance.
“I am now homeless. My pension barely covers my medication and feeding, so I cannot afford a comfortable accommodation. It’s been really terrible,” he said, appealing for help and support to rebuild his life with dignity.
The PHED Calabar office confirmed that Bendick receives a monthly pension but referred further inquiries to its Port Harcourt headquarters, leaving questions about his welfare largely unresolved.
Bendick’s story highlights the struggles of disabled workers in Nigeria, the gaps in workplace safety, and the challenges of rehabilitation and social support for victims of industrial accidents.
