Tragedy struck in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a Point of Sale (PoS) operator was electrocuted by a live high tension cable that snapped and fell on him.
The incident occurred over the weekend while the victim was reportedly standing in front of his shop, located directly beneath the power line.
Eyewitnesses said the wire suddenly detached from the pole and landed on the unsuspecting man.
PUNCH Metro gathered on Tuesday that the man’s lifeless body remained on the ground several days after the incident, with the live cable still draped over him and emitting smoke, creating panic among residents.
A video circulating on social media shows the victim lying motionless with the high voltage wire visibly resting on his body.
His identity had not been officially confirmed at the time of this report, although local sources said he was recently married.
Reacting to the incident, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ossy Onuko, described the incident as a tragic but avoidable loss.
He blamed the continued disregard for safety rules as a major factor.
“This is something we have consistently warned against. It is very dangerous to build or trade directly under high tension wires,” Onuko said.
He noted that ACTDA had carried out several sensitisation campaigns and enforcement operations to discourage residents from setting up shops or kiosks beneath power lines, but those efforts were often met with resistance and criticism.
“In fact, people accuse us on social media of being inhumane when we remove structures under high tension wires,” he said. “This unfortunate death highlights the consequences of ignoring those warnings.”
Onuko described the incident as a suicide mission born out of negligence, stressing that no business or activity is worth the risk of losing a life.
“This should serve as a serious deterrent to others.
Our campaigns and enforcements are not to victimise anyone but to protect lives. Sadly, we have lost one,” he added.
He called on residents to take personal responsibility for their safety and urged them to avoid such risky locations. “Do not wait for the authorities to chase you away.
Do it for your own life and that of others,” he concluded.
Authorities have yet to confirm if the electricity distribution company has been alerted or if further safety measures are being taken at the site.