Nibo, Anambra State – Tragedy struck in Nibo community, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, as a male Point-of-Sale (POS) operator was electrocuted after a high-tension cable snapped and fell directly on him in front of his shop.
The heartbreaking incident, which occurred over the weekend, has sent shockwaves through the area. Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that the victim had been standing in front of his kiosk, which was situated directly beneath a high-tension power line, when the cable suddenly gave way and landed on him.
Shockingly, the man’s lifeless body remained at the scene for days after the incident, with the snapped cable still draped over it, reportedly emitting smoke and creating a terrifying spectacle for residents and passersby.
A disturbing video circulating on social media confirms the account, showing the deceased lying motionless with the power line resting across his body. As of the time of filing this report, the victim’s full identity had yet to be officially confirmed, but sources in the area said he was recently married.
Reacting to the incident, the Managing Director of the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Ossy Onuko, described the incident as deeply unfortunate and avoidable. He pointed to repeated warnings and enforcement campaigns by the agency against the construction of shops or trading activities under high-tension electricity wires.
“This is something we have been campaigning against from time to time,” Onuko said. “It is a suicide mission to have your shop or roadside activity under a high-tension line.”
Onuko lamented that the ACTDA’s efforts to remove illegal structures and educate residents are often met with resistance and criticism, particularly on social media.
“People vilify us as being inhumane for removing such structures, but this incident shows why we persist. No precious life is worth being lost to such careless and preventable death,” he added.
He further urged the public to take personal responsibility for their safety and educate others about the dangers of erecting buildings or trading beneath high-tension cables.
“This tragic loss should serve as a deterrent. Let it be a wake-up call that we must take safety regulations seriously,” he said.
Authorities are expected to investigate the condition of the power infrastructure in the area and address any negligence that may have led to the fatal accident.