Police operatives in Anambra State have successfully rescued a 28-year-old man who attempted to take his own life by climbing a high-tension power transmission pole in Awada, Idemili North Local Government Area.
The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the rescue operation in a statement issued on Wednesday, revealing that the incident occurred on Tuesday evening.
The dramatic rescue unfolded behind Grace of God Mission, off NEPA Road, Awada, where the man had climbed the dangerous electrical infrastructure in what appeared to be a suicide attempt.
According to the police statement, operatives attached to the Awada Division responded swiftly to the emergency call and managed to safely bring the man down from the potentially lethal position.
“Anambra State Police Operatives attached to the Awada Division, in the evening of 2nd September 2025, successfully rescued a man who attempted to commit suicide by climbing a power transmission high-tension pole situated behind Grace of God Mission, off NEPA Road, Awada,” the statement read.
The police response involved immediate crowd control and area security measures to ensure public safety during the delicate rescue operation.
“Upon receiving the distress information, the operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene, cordoned off the area to prevent danger, and controlled the large crowd that had gathered. After several minutes of persuasion by the Police and some concerned members of the public, the man eventually climbed down safely,” Ikenga explained.
Following his safe descent from the high-tension pole, the man was immediately taken into protective custody at the police station, where he provided his identification details.
“He was immediately taken into protective custody at the station, where he identified himself as Mr. Okwudili David Onyiba, aged 28 years,” the police spokesperson stated.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered comprehensive medical and mental health evaluation for Onyiba to address the underlying issues that led to the suicide attempt.
The police chief also assured that the command would provide necessary support to ensure Onyiba’s well-being during his recovery process.
The incident has prompted the Anambra State Police Command to issue a public advisory encouraging residents to seek appropriate help when facing personal challenges rather than resorting to harmful actions.
The command urged members of the public to explore constructive solutions when dealing with difficult situations.
“Always seek lawful and peaceful solutions to personal challenges, and to reach out to family, friends, or relevant support groups in times of distress,” the statement emphasized.
