A Point-of-Sale (PoS) operator in Nibo, Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, lost his life after a high-tension power cable snapped and fell on him.
The tragic incident occurred over the weekend as the victim stood in front of his shop, which was situated directly beneath the high-tension line. Eyewitnesses said the cable suddenly snapped and struck the operator, electrocuting him instantly.
As of Tuesday, the victim’s lifeless body reportedly remained at the scene, with the live cable still resting on it and emitting smoke—causing panic among residents. A viral video circulating on social media confirmed the horrifying scene, showing the body motionless with the cable draped across it.
Although the deceased’s identity had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting, local sources indicated 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 it as a sad and avoidable tragedy. He reiterated the agency’s ongoing efforts to discourage residents from building or operating businesses beneath high-tension power lines.
“This is something we have consistently warned against. Unfortunately, people often criticise our enforcement efforts, accusing us of being inhumane,” Onuko said.
He continued, “Having a shop, kiosk, or any form of trading under a high-tension cable is not just risky—it’s a suicide mission. This tragic loss underscores the dangers and should serve as a wake-up call to everyone engaging in such unsafe practices.”
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Onuko urged the public to treat safety as a personal responsibility and to take warnings seriously, not only for their own safety but for the well-being of others around them.
“We have lost a precious life that could have been saved. Let this be a deterrent. Sensitisation and enforcement are not meant to punish, but to protect lives. A stitch in time truly saves nine,” he added.
